"Neater, I hope, or I shall have to discharge my sailing master," said Leicester, smiling.
Violet and Ethel went from one end of the little vessel to the other, delighted with the novelty.
"Heave hoy! Heave hoy!" and up came the anchor.
Then at a word from Leicester her white, graceful sails fluttered out to the winds, and the birdlike Petrel, with a graceful toss, as if in laughing delight at her freedom, went off before the summer breeze.
Fitz understood yachting as he did hunting, shooting, and all manly sports, and while Leicester gave the orders and sailed the vessel Fitz explained the different technical terms, taking a great deal of trouble to make the matter clear to Violet.
She was grateful to him, and interested, and as she was not in love with Mr. Leicester Dodson yet, her face was as bright to Fitz as to him, and when the owner of the yacht came with the rugs he found her quite occupied laughing with Fitz.
Bertie had secured Ethel, and at some little distance apart was talking as only he knew how to talk.
Leicester therefore had Mrs. Mildmay left to him, and, like a gallant gentleman, amused her.
He was not of a jealous disposition, and he was satisfied if Violet was happy; but after a little while he came up to Fitz's side.