“Never mind about that; I wish you to go and say a few pleasant words to him. Let them be sympathetic.”
“What shall I say?”
“I can give you no further directions.”
“I am loth to do so, but if you wish it–––”
“I wish it very much.”
That was enough, and the girl, with some natural hesitation of manner, advanced to the young captain, who did not notice her until she was at his elbow.
“Good-day, Captain Fred,” she said; “you have been busy so long that you must be tired, for you slept none last night.”
He looked toward her with a quick, curious expression. There was a half-smile on his face, while his forehead was wrinkled with displeasure. Inez noticed this, and would have withdrawn had she not recalled the strange earnestness with which Storms made the request for her to utter a few pleasant words to the youth. She therefore determined to carry out his wishes.
“Can’t we relieve you of your work?” continued she.