“And then what?” she queried with childish insouciance.
“Why, then he made friends with Skinner and, to my complete amazement, surrendered without firing a shot. He said he'd be my port captain now; whereas six months ago he said it was against his religion to work for a relative, and that he wanted to go into business for himself. And only the day before he'd reiterated those sentiments.”
“Oh, I'm so glad!” said Florry, much relieved.
“Wait!” said Cappy dramatically. “Don't cheer yet. I've upset your apple cart, my dear. I rejected the young man's proposition and condemned him to a business of his own.”
“But you wanted him for your port captain, Daddy dear. You wanted him the very worst way.”
“And that's just how I got him, Florry. I don't want any man whose heart is not in his job, and a business man should never surrender for sentimental reasons. You cannot mix sentiment and business, daughter; if you do you'll get chaos. Matt Peasley surrendered to me—not because he wanted to, but to please you. You've been picking on him rather hard lately, haven't you?”
Florry admitted it.
“I knew it,” Cappy declared. “I knew it—and that's why I exercised the veto on you, Florry.”
Florry's eyes dropped, and in the corners of them her father thought he detected a glint of tears; whereupon he attacked his egg vigorously. After a brief silence he said:
“Of course that means a slight delay in your plans for a June wedding—”