"How ignorant you are, Tom!" she said, impatiently; "as if it makes the slightest difference what nationality he belongs to. Mighty lot you know about the Japanese."
Tom wilted before this assault, and the girl took advantage to say: "Now, Tom, I want to know Mr.—a—a—Takashima. What a name! Go, like the dear good boy you are, and bring him over here."
Tom straightened his shoulders.
"I utterly, completely, and altogether refuse to introduce you, young lady, to any other man on board this steamer. Why, at the rate you're going there won't be a heart-whole man on board by the time we reach Japan."
"But you said Mr. Ta—Takashima—or 'Takie,' as you call him, had no heart."
"True, but you might create one in him. I have a great deal of confidence in you, you know."
"Oh! Tom, don't be ridiculous now. Horrid thing! I believe you just want to be coaxed."
Tom's good-natured, fair face expanded in a broad smile for a moment. Then he tried to clear it.
"Always disliked to be coaxed," he choked.
"Hem!" The girl looked over into the waters a moment, thinking. Then she rose up and looked Tom in the face.