"He—he wrote," said the captain.
"Did he suggest my staying here?"
"No," said the captain, putting his handkerchief away with great care. "No, I can't say he did. But he has had another interview with Mr. John Vyner, and it seems that the old gentleman is quite taking it for granted that you have left Salthaven for good. He was quite genial to your father."
"Did father undeceive him?" inquired the girl.
"He didn't say," rejoined the other. "My idea is he didn't; but it's only my idea, mind."
For some time Miss Hartley walked on in disdainful silence. She broke it at last in favour of Mr. Vyner, senior.
"Talking won't alter facts, though," said the admiring captain, shaking his head.
The girl paid no heed.
"Now, if you only stayed here for a little while," said the captain, persuasively, "say a couple of years, no doubt things would right themselves. Anything might happen in two years. Mind, it's not your father's idea, it's mine. I'd do anything for him; he has done me many a good turn in his time, and I want to pay him back."
Miss Hartley, softening somewhat, thanked him.