"Miss Barrison is a stenographer," I said, calmly; and before he could recover I had presented him, and left them face to face, washing my hands of the whole affair.
Unloading the boat and carrying the luggage up under the palms, I heard her saying:
"No, I am not in the least afraid of snakes, and I am quite ready to begin my duties."
And he: "Mr. Gilland is a young man who—er—lacks practical experience."
And she: "Mr. Gilland has been most thoughtful for my comfort. The journey has been perfectly heavenly."
And he, clumsily: "Ahem!—the—er—celestial aspect of your journey has—er—doubtless been colored by—er—the prospect of your—er—approaching nuptials—"
She, hastily: "Oh, I do not think so, professor."
"Idiot!" I muttered, dragging the dog to the shore, where his yelps brought the professor hurrying.
"Is that the dog?" he inquired, adjusting his spectacles.
"That's the dog," I said. "He's full of points, you see?"