"Does she want to preach to me?"
"I think not. Of course you are not compelled to see her, if you don't wish to do so," added Paul, who could not see why any one should not wish to converse with Grace.
"I will hear what she has to say," said Raymond, with a condescension which Paul did not like.
The commodore presented the delinquent to the young lady. Raymond touched his cap, and bowed politely.
"I am very glad to see you on deck, Mr. Raymond, for I have wished to make your acquaintance since last evening," Grace began.
"Thank you. I was not aware that I had any claims upon your consideration."
"I see you wear no ribbon. Shall I furnish you with one?"
"I don't know what it is for?" said Raymond, glancing at the white ribbon on the commodore's breast. "What does it mean?"
"I can't tell you anything about it just yet. I suppose you are very sorry for what you have done."
"I feel better since I have had a drink of water," replied Raymond, good-naturedly; and there was no doubt that he spoke the literal truth.