Helen sighed.
"But he soon will be. I wish he were here instead of downstairs."
Ray protested.
"Please be nautically correct. Remember we are on a ship. You don't say 'downstairs'; you say 'below.'"
Mr. Steell turned round with a smile.
"I had no idea you were so well posted in sailor's parlance."
The young girl laughed.
"Oh, you don't know half my accomplishments. I'm cleverer than you give me credit for."
The young man leaned half over the chair as he whispered:
"I wouldn't dare tell you how clever I think you."