“Visitors!” said Martha, with a look that would have led a stranger to suppose that she held visitors in much the same estimation as tax-gatherers.

“How awkward!” exclaimed Aunt Jane.

“Send ’em away, girl,” cried the captain. “We’re all engaged. Can’t see any one to-day.”

In a moment the servant-girl returned.

“He says he must see you.”

“See who?” cried the captain.

“See you, sir.”

“Must he; then he shan’t. Tell him that.”

“Please, sir, he says he won’t go away.”

“Won’t he?”