I waited until she had filled the cup, and then I asked her a question.
"Now, I want you to tell me the truth," I said. "If I hadn't come blundering in here, how long were you going to stay on the island?"
She hesitated for a moment.
"The truth!" I repeated firmly.
"Another three days," she admitted. "I have to be back on Friday."
"Well," I said, "if you don't stay those three days, I shall never forgive myself. I really don't want to use either the hut or the island, on my honour. I've got my anchorage, and we shan't be in each other's way. In fact, you needn't see me at all if you don't want to."
"But you've just asked me to breakfast," she objected. "You're not trying to back out of it now, are you?"
"Then you'll stay!" I cried joyfully.
Her eyes twinkled.
"I might," she said, "if you can really guarantee the discretion of Rufus."