"Really, Grace, I had no idea you were so sentimental!" exclaimed Mrs. Stuart.
"In other words," went on the professor, addressing the younger woman, "you think——"
"I think," replied Grace slowly and deliberately, "that if they found they loved each other, she would not quite descend to his level nor would he quite ascend to hers. There would be a compromise. In other words, she would stoop; he would reach up. That is my view."
"A most sensible view—most sensible!" said the professor, with enthusiasm.
Mrs. Stuart sprang up from her chair. Collecting her wraps, she said:
"This debate is highly interesting and instructive, but if I stop to listen to any more I shall never be dressed for dinner. Come, Grace, don't forget we dine earlier to-night, because of the dance."
The professor assisted Grace to her feet.
"Thanks," she said. "I've enjoyed our talk so much. You've set me thinking. It's so seldom one is encouraged to think of anything worth while."
The ladies disappeared below, and the professor, tipping his cap, turned on his heel and continued his walk. On the promenade-deck, where a dozen sailors were busy preparing for the evening's coming festivities, he met Captain Summers, who was enjoying a smoke before dinner.
"Well, captain, pretty warm for dancing, eh? Is it going to get any cooler?"