"You see, the letters were given to Pete, to put stamps on and mail. And—well, he thought I might be interested in this one."
"But—that's a crime, isn't it?"
"Why do you have such unpleasant thoughts, Secretary Norcross? Pete says it's no crime at all; not unless it's been dropped in a letter-box. But if you feel finicky about it, why here's the letter. Mail it."
Mary shook her head.
"I'd be afraid to touch it."
"Thought so," said Bill, as he returned the letter to his pocket. "I'll hold it for a while."
"If the boat was only sailing now!" exclaimed Mary.
"That's a good suggestion. I'll hold it till we sail."
"Why, I never suggested anything of the kind, Mr. Marshall."
She made a very fair show of indignation, but Bill simply winked at her. Mary turned away for fear of betraying herself. Nevertheless, she knew that it was all very discreditable and she was not in the least proud of herself. It was a comfort, though, to have somebody else sharing the guilt.