“To the stars that hold our future,” teased Harriet.
The captain paused with the glass of lemonade in his hand. He glanced quickly at Harriet Burrell, but the innocent expression on her face told him nothing. Miss Elting saw that George had something on his mind. She suspected what it was. An amused smile played about the corners of the guardian’s mouth. There was a smile in Harriet’s eyes, too, as she caught and read the thought in the mind of Miss Elting.
After the cake and lemonade had been disposed of, the party of young people chatted for the better part of an hour. Captain Baker, however, appeared uneasy. Twice he essayed to speak then checked himself abruptly.
“It’s coming now,” whispered Harriet. “He’s trying to think of a way to begin.”
Miss Elting nodded.
“I have a confession to make,” began the captain, in an embarrassed manner.
“A confession!” exclaimed Harriet in a surprised tone.
“Yes, I have. Oh, it isn’t for myself alone, but for my friends as well,” continued the captain doggedly. The other boys exhibited signs of uneasiness.
“What about, Mr. Baker?” asked the guardian sweetly.
“It is about those melons.”