Marjorie hung her head; tears were dropping silently. She felt more humiliated than she had ever done in her life before. Suppose Mr. Stuart had not come? It was a thought she could not bear to pursue.
They reached the boat. The captain listened to the story, and he spoke with some grave severity to Marjorie, as he had a right to do; for he had done everything to provide for the safety of his passengers, and it was not right to him, or the company, for a wilful girl to run into needless peril out of the waywardness of her heart.
Marjorie accepted the reproof with unwonted humility, and Mr. Stuart suddenly spoke up for her:
"She will not do it again, captain; I will answer for her."
"All right, Mr. Stuart; I don't want to say any more. All's well that's ends well; but——"
He checked further words, but Marjorie's cheeks whitened. She seemed to see again those strange, fierce faces, and hear the cries of her pursuers. In the gathering darkness Mr. Stuart put out his hand and took firm hold of hers. She started for a moment, and then let it lie in his clasp. Indeed, she felt her own fingers clinging to that strong hand, and a thrill went through her as she felt his clasp tighten upon them.
They reached the side of the vessel; officers and passengers were craning over to get news of the missing passenger.
"Here she is, all safe!" cried the captain rather gruffly, and a little cry of relief went up, followed by a cheer.
Mr. Stuart leant forward in the darkness and whispered:
"You see what a commotion you have made, Marjorie, I think you will have to let me answer for you, and take care of you in the future."