“You don’t know who it is. You wouldn’t shut her out—would you? She saved my sister!”
“Hang your sister! She—” And then he stopped, for in the room stood Silly, and the last one he ever expected to meet in his house—Becky Sleeper.
The captain looked at her in astonishment. He knew her well. They had never spoken to each other since that first day at school—but he had watched her since then—was well informed as to her progress. And yet, the bright, young, well-dressed, graceful girl, with a smile on her face, standing before him, took him by surprise, and made a gentle man of him at once.
“I hope I do not interrupt you, Captain Thompson,” said Becky, very gently; “but I have a little business with you; and if you would kindly give me five minutes, I should be very much obliged.”
The captain got up from his chair, and made a low bow. It surprised him as soon as it was done; but he couldn’t help it.
“Certainly, Miss Becky, if I can be of service to you,—Silly, you needn’t stop.”
“But I want to,” said Silly. “She saved my sister.”
Becky laughed.
“I’ll come out and see you before I go,” she said. “You’re not afraid to trust me alone with the captain—are you?”