Resolving to end the ordeal, she stood rigidly before him.
"Well," she said, "I've done it!" "Have you ?" he exclaimed, blankly.
"Yes.

They're a little too long, and I feel very awkward, but they're better than--than my poor old dress unsupported." She blushed furiously, to the sailor's complete bewilderment, but she bravely persevered and stretched out an unwilling foot.
"Oh.

I see!" he growled, and he too reddened.
"I can't help it, can I ?" she demanded piteously.

"It is not unlike a riding-habit, is it ?" Then his ready wit helped him.
"An excellent compromise," he cried.

"A process of evolution, in fact.
Now, do you know, Miss Deane, that would never have occurred to me." And during the remainder of the day he did not once look at her feet.
Indeed, he had far more serious matters to distract his thoughts, for Iris, feverishly anxious to be busy, suddenly suggested that it would be a good thing were she able to use a rifle if a fight at close quarters became necessary.
The recoil of the Lee-Metford is so slight that any woman can manipulate the weapon with effect, provided she is not called upon to fire from a standing position, in which case the weight is liable to cause bad aiming.