"Ye look some faded, Belinda," he remarked.
"I'll pick up," was the reply. "This is my niece, Cap'n Holt."
Linda brought her absent-minded gaze back with a start, realizing that the "expressman" was being introduced to her.
He put out his rough hand kindly, and she saw by his expression that he was acknowledging her bereavement. She put her hand in his in silence.
"Cap'n Holt knew your father, Linda," said Mrs. Porter.
The girl's eyes met his. "Did you work for my father?" she asked.
"Dunno 'bout that," was the good-humored response. "I was the oldest, and I guess mebbe he worked fer me some."
Cap'n Holt's lips twitched as if a humorous continuation of his declaration was imminent, but Linda's grave looks and her black gown restrained him. A faint color mounted to the girl's cheeks. She must remember hereafter!
"He was well liked around here, your father was," finished Jerry Holt warmly.
"Thank you," said Linda, and Jerry dropped her smooth young hand awkwardly.