"Oh, good-bye," she said, turning to him, with a pleasant smile.
"I am not going," said Hardy, quietly; "I am never going," he added, as he took her other hand.
Captain Nugent, anxious for his supper, found them there still debating the point some two hours later. Kate Nugent, relieved at the appearance of her natural protector, clung to him with unusual warmth. Then, in a kindly, hospitable fashion, she placed her other arm in that of Hardy, and they walked in grave silence to the house.
THE END