“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Bangs. My name is Howard—Nelson Howard. And this is—”
He paused. The young woman was regarding him in a troubled way.
“Nelson,” she said, “don't you think, perhaps, we had better not—”
They were both embarrassed. Galusha noticed the embarrassment.
“Dear me! Dear me!” he said, hastily. “Please don't trouble. Ah—good-morning. I must go—really—yes.”
He was on his way toward the bank, but the young woman called his name.
“Mr. Bangs,” she said.
He turned. “Did you—did you wish to speak to me?” he asked.
“Why—why, yes, I—Mr. Bangs, I—I want to ask a favor of you. I know, Nelson, but what is the use, after all? We've done nothing to be ashamed of. Mr. Bangs, my name is Hallett. My father is the keeper of the lighthouse.”
Galusha bowed. He had guessed her identity. Primmie had spoken of Lulie Hallett in their conversation by the fence the day before.