"I never had so splendid a sail in my life," Katrine said.
"I was sure you would beat that other boat, Mr. Castleport," Mrs. Fairhew told him, "and I confess I enjoyed seeing you do it."
"I couldn't be so rude as to let you ladies be beaten in a race," the captain responded, laughing.
"Of course not," put in Jerry; "no gentleman would let a lady be beaten."
"What an atrocious pun!" cried Katrine; "and Mr. Taberman looks actually wistful for fear we shouldn't see it."
"Well," her aunt said, moving toward the ladder, where the cutter was in waiting, "it has been a delightful day, and we are greatly obliged."
While the ladies were being pulled ashore, and before Jack and Jerry had returned, everything on the Merle was put in order. Just as they went below to dress for going ashore for dinner, a boat from the yawl came alongside with a note for the "Captain of the Merle; sch. Y't." Gonzague brought it to Castleport, who looked at it, and then read it aloud to Jerry.
Yawl Yacht Isis, R. Y. S.
Lord Merryfield presents his compliments to the gentleman who handled the Merle in such a masterly fashion this afternoon, and requests the honor of his presence at dinner on board the Isis this evening at six bells, A. T. It will be an additional pleasure to Lord Merryfield if the gentleman who so pluckily rose to the occasion in the matter of a parted halyard will accompany the captain of the Merle.
R. S. V. P.
Nice, July 17, 1902.
"Rot!" said Jerry inelegantly. "Let me answer it."