Hugh's heart thumped strangely as he noted her evident intention to remain on deck.

She turned to him swiftly and he averted his eyes, but not quickly enough to prevent her seeing that he had been scrutinizing her intently.

What she may have intended to say was never uttered.

Instead, she observed, a trifle coldly: "I must bid you good-night, Mr.Ridge." "Pray, not yet," he cried; "I was just about to ask if we might not sit in these chairs here for a little while.

It is early and it is so charming to-night." He looked into her eyes again and found that she was gazing searchingly into his.