"Aunt Jannet," said Blair, as they sat in great relief and content discussing the day, when their visitors had left, "we had an offer for you this morning."
"An offer?—for me, Kenneth? Whatever do you mean?"
"A brown gentleman desires to correspond with a white lady with a view to matrimony. He wanted to know what we would take for you in coco-nuts."
"In coco-nuts indeed!" and Aunt Jannet bridled red. "And who was the impudent fellow?"
"Our enemy, our host, Mr. Ra'a. Jean made such an impression on him that I fear the brown ladies' noses will be permanently out of joint."
"H'mph!" with a snort of disgust. "He'd better keep out of my reach."
"I told him he'd have to ask you himself."
"I'd like to see him."
"A hint to that effect will bring him along hotfoot, I've no doubt. The matter is worth consideration," he said, with an assumption of weightiness. "Royal alliance—union of opposing factions—peace secured—a very good solution of our difficulties. Say, Aunt Jannet! will you sacrifice yourself for the good of the community?"
"Get along with you," said Aunt Jannet. "No naked brown cannibals for me."