XI
“Hello!” sang out Johnson, genially, as he entered the Girl’s cabin.
At once the Girl’s audacity and spirit deserted her, and hanging her head she answered meekly, bashfully:
“Hello!”
The man’s eyes swept the Girl’s figure; he looked puzzled, and asked:
“Are you—you going out?”
The Girl was plainly embarrassed; she stammered in reply:
“Yes—no—I don’t know—Oh, come on in!”
“Thank you,” said Johnson in his best manner, and put down his lantern on the table. Turning now with a look of admiration in his eyes, at the same time trying to embrace her, he went on: “Oh, Girl, I’m so glad you let me come....”
His glance, his tone, his familiarity sent the colour flying to the Girl’s cheeks; she flared up instantly, her blue eyes snapping with resentment: