"My eyebrows do not grow together," replied Helga, firmly.
"Let me see," said John; and he took her face between his hands, and added, "I am not certain, I must look closer;" and kissed her between the eyes.
"It is time for me to interfere," said John's mother; and she rang a small handbell in the deckhouse.
"Oh, don't, mother!" said John, with a piteous look.
"Oh, Mrs. Hardy! what are you going to do with Him?" asked Helga, with concern.
"First, he shall have no more breakfast, because he has finished," said Mrs. Hardy; "and then I will condemn him to——"
"No, no!" said Helga, beseechingly.
"I must," said Mrs. Hardy.
The great black-bearded steward came in to take away the breakfast things.
"Do go away; you are not wanted!" said Helga; and she pushed him out, and shut the door of the deck-house.