With a smile as bright as those with which she had been accustomed to greet him at Fair Oaks, she extended her band, saying, slowly,-- "Mr.Mainwaring, this is indeed a surprise!" She watched him closely, but there was not the quiver of an eyelash, only a slow, inscrutable smile, as he replied,-- "Miss Carleton, I will add to that, and say that this is the pleasantest surprise of my life." She blushed at the implied meaning of his words, and he added,-- "I have not seen you on deck until to-day." "Not last Friday evening ?" she inquired, archly.

His smile deepened.
"I did not know that it was you at that time until after I had started below.

Did you recognize me ?" "I thought I recognized your voice; and I have often wished to thank you for your kindness, but this is my first opportunity, as I have not been out since until to-day." "Please do not mention it.

Had I dreamed who it was thus braving the storm, I would have offered my assistance earlier.

I have not yet recovered from my surprise on discovering the identity of my fellow-passenger that evening." "Indeed!" laughed Miss Carleton; "my presence here is very easily explained.