The officer bowed low, waved his helmet, and started back as the small boat pulled away.
"I thought you were still aboard the liner—the Ampersand," said Miss Harsha casually, as she edged away to give the captain room to steer.
"No, I left the next voyage. I was taught that a ship's officer was not in the class I supposed him to be."
"Please don't," interrupted the girl. "You know, or ought to know, the difference between a common sailor—a mate of a transatlantic steamer—and a naval officer. I hoped to spare your feelings, but you would not listen to me. I am the daughter of a naval officer. You are very little different from Mr. Dunn's butler, socially speaking. You wear his livery——"
"A very pretty uniform it is," suggested the skipper, interrupting and smiling complacently at her.
"You must pardon me if I hurt your feelings, but it seems necessary for me to make myself plainly understood——"
"Oh, I understand you thoroughly," said Captain Smart gently. "You are away above me—high up. I know I'm only a sailor. So was my father. But I'm not a bit ashamed of it. I work for my living. I have no kind Uncle Sam to provide for me that I may loaf about in white duck and seek diversion among the fairer sex. You'll excuse me if I cannot hold a poorer opinion of myself than I do of many of those who wear the country's livery and draw pay for it. They are mostly good fellows—but there are others."
"But you won't understand. It isn't that. It's the—well, we won't discuss it any further. I know you are too much of a man to make me uncomfortable aboard the yacht. If you do, I shall have to speak to Mr. Dunn."
Captain Smart chuckled softly. He seemed to enjoy the situation very much, but he said no more, for the men rowing were beginning to listen to the conversation. He swung the boat alongside with precision, and assisted the girl up the companion.