"Pardon me for alluding to the subject," said Shuffles.
"I am very glad you spoke of it."
"I should not have done so, if I had not had some doubts about seeing you again, even were an opportunity presented."
"Doubts about seeing me?"
"I mean because Sir William dislikes me," stammered the captain.
"He ought not to dislike you, after what you have done for him and me."
"He thinks I am too strong a friend of yours."
"I don't think you are. Why, you saved my life, and I should be very ungrateful if I did not value your friendship," replied Feodora, apparently investigating the texture of the wood of which the floor was composed.
"Then you value it because I rendered you a little service on the lake," added Shuffles.
"That assured me you were very brave and noble; and I am sure you have not done anything since which makes me think less of you."