"I shall kiss you for that." And straightway she did.
"What do you think of Mr. Breitmann?" soberly.
"He is charming sometimes; but he has a little too much reserve.
Doubtless he sees his position too keenly. He should not."
"Do you like him?"
"Yes," frankly.
"So do I; and yet there are moments when I do not." The admiral filled his pipe carefully.
"But your reason?" surprised.
"That's just the trouble. I haven't any tangible reason. The doubt exists, and I can't explain it. The sea often looks smooth and mild, and the sky is cloudless; yet an old sailor will suddenly grow suspicious; he will see a storm, a heavy blow. And why, he couldn't say for the life of him. Flanagan will tell you."
The girl grew studious and grave. Had there not been an echo of this doubt in her own mind? Immediately she smiled.
"We are talking nonsense and wasting the sunshine."