Loo turned and looked at Miriam, who had always met his glance with her thoughtful, steady eyes.

But now she turned away.
"Farlingford is best, at all events," he said, with an odd conviction.
"I am only the grandson of old Seth Clubbe, of Maiden's Grave.

I am a Farlingford sailor, and that is all.

I am mate of 'The Last Hope'-- at your service." "You are more than that." He made a step nearer to her, looking down at her white face, averted from him.

For her voice had been uncertain--unsteady--as if she were speaking against her will.
"Even if I am only that," he said, suddenly grave, "Farlingford may still be a dream--Farlingford and--you." "What do you mean ?" she asked, in a quick, mechanical voice, as if she had reached a desired crisis at last and was prepared to act.
"Oh, I only mean what I have meant always," he answered.