"Eh, what?"—the captain roused himself with a start.
"I formed a charming acquaintance on board ship this afternoon. Prettiest girl in America—England, either, I should say."
A swift suspicion darted into Lancaster's mind.
"Ah, indeed?" he said. "What is the divinity's name?"
"I have not found out yet," confessed the lieutenant.
"Ah! then your boasted acquaintance did not progress very far," chaffingly.
"No; but I rely on time to develop it. We shall be on board steamer ten days together. I shall certainly find out my fair unknown in all that time," confidently.
Lancaster frowned slightly with that lurking suspicion yet in his mind.
"Oh, you needn't look so indifferent!" cried De Vere.