"And that's why you told me Ted had got the toothache, and tried to get me off to the chemist's, I s'pose," retorted his wife, with virulence. "Do you think I'm a fool? How dare you ask a young woman on this barge? How dare you?"
"I didn't ask her," said her husband.
"I s'pose she came without being asked," sneered his wife, turning her regards to the passenger; "she looks the sort that might. You brazen- faced girl!"
"Here, go easy, Loo," interrupted the mate, flushing as he saw the girl's pale face.
"Mind your own business," said his sister, violently.
"It is my business," said the repentant mate. "I brought her aboard, and then we quarrelled."
"I've no doubt," said his sister, bitterly; "it's very pretty, but it won't do."
"I swear it's the truth," said the mate.
"Why did John keep it so quiet and hide her for, then?" demanded his sister.
"I came down for the trip," said Miss Harris; "that is all about it. There is nothing to make a fuss about. How much is it, Captain Gibbs?"