"What is it you mean?"
"That he is a mere boy; Kate always called him a boy, and I always thought him one. You do not think I could have been so free with a young man. Indeed, no, Cornelius. And then he is a sailor!"
"Do you object to that?"
"Most decidedly."
"Why, what would you like, Daisy?"
"I don't know; but I know what I do not like, and a Lord Admiral himself would not tempt me."
"I had no idea you had so many good reasons for rejecting him," said Cornelius, smiling; "he is fair, a boy, and a sailor—have you anything else?"
"Yes, Cornelius," I replied, looking up into his face, "I have known him too long—almost as long as you."
"Indeed!" he said, abstractedly, "is old acquaintance so great a sin in your opinion, Daisy?"
"Not a sin, Cornelius; but I have liked William like a brother, and I cannot like him otherwise."