"And might I ask," she inquired, as the amorous boatswain took her arm again, "might I ask who is going to watch you?"
"Me?" said the boatswain, regarding her with honest amazement. "I don't want no watching. Men don't."
"In—deed!" said Miss Jelks, "and why not?"
"They don't like it," said Mr. Walters, simply.
Miss Jelks released her arm again, and for some time they walked on opposite sides of the lane Her temper rose rapidly, and at last, tearing off her glove, she drew the ring from her finger and handed it to the boatswain.
"There you are!" she exclaimed. "Take it!"
Mr. Walters took it, and, after a vain attempt to place it on his little finger, put it in his waistcoat-pocket and walked on whistling.
"We're not engaged now," explained Rosa.
"Aye, aye," said the boatswain, cheerfully. "Only walking out."