"I dare say," said the other, hastily.
"I was thinking of 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder'—of the Indian Chief" said the ingenuous Robert. "Was that the one you were thinking of?"
The captain's reply was inaudible as he turned and bore off Miss Hartley. The young man stood for some time watching them, and, as Joan and her burly companion disappeared round the corner, shook his head and set off home.
"He'll sober down as he gets older," said the captain, after they had proceeded some way in silence. "I'm glad I met you. Your father told me you were going to London, and I was thinking we might go up together. It's odd we should both be going. Quite a coincidence."
"In more ways than one," said Joan. "Father told me you had arranged it together. I quite know why I am going."
The captain coughed.
"I know why you are going, too," said Joan.
The captain coughed again, and muttered something about "children" and "business."
"And if I'm going to-morrow I had better get back and pack," continued the girl.
"Plenty of time in the morning," said the captain. "It'll make the time pass. It's a mistake to stow your things away too soon—a great mistake."