I think if I can get him into the smoking room that a cigar and--and--something hot with a bit of lemon peel and so forth later on may induce him to visit with me for a while, and pass the evening, or part of it." "You want to be an angel!" she exclaimed.

"Oh, I--we--shall be so obliged.

I know it's just what he wants--some _man_ to take him in hand." "I'm in no hurry to be an angel," said John, laughing, and, with a bow, "It's better sometimes to be _near_ the rose than to _be_ the rose, and you are proposing to overpay me quite.

I shall enjoy doing what I proposed, if it be possible." Their talk then drifted off into various channels as topics suggested themselves until the ship's bell sounded the luncheon hour.

Miss Blake went to join her sister and brother-in-law, but John had some bread and cheese and beer in the smoking room.