"Evangeline," said Captain Cavendish, taking up her book; "I always liked that, but never half so well as since I came to Speckport."
"Because you saw Miss Marsh in the character," said Jeannette, laughing, as young ladies must, in these cases.
"Miss Marsh took her character very well, but that is not the only reason why I shall long remember that night."
A glance accompanied this speech that brought a glow to Miss McGregor's cheek and a flutter to her heart. Captain Cavendish was a clever man. He had more irons in the fire than even Val knew of, and allowed none of them to cool; and it does take a clever man to make love discreetly to half-a-dozen women at once.
"Natty looked stunning that night," put in Alick; "she is the handsomest girl in Speckport."
"You think so—we all know that," said Jeannette, flashing a spiteful glance at him; "you have been making a simpleton of yourself about her for the last two years. Why don't you propose at once."
"Because she wouldn't have me," blurted honest Alick; "I wish to heaven she would! I would soon do the popping."
"Faint heart never won fair lady; take courage and try," said the captain.
Jeannette looked at him with her most taking smile.
"Are you quite sincere in that, Captain Cavendish?"