The Nest Builder

he companionship of the most attractive damsels. But the "English girl" was not in the "pretty" class. She was a beauty, of the grave and pure type which implies character. All the children knew h

existed but her, and he as

who spoke to him. This, however, few troubled to do, for he was cordially disliked, both for his own sake and because of his success with Miss Elliston. That success the ship could not doubt. Though she was invariably polite to every one, she walked and talked only with him or the children. She was, of course, above the social level of the second-class; but this the English did not resent, because they understood it, nor the Americans, because they were unaware of it. On the other hand, English and Americans alike resented Byrd, whom they could neither place nor understand. These two became the most conspicuous people in the cabin, and their every movement was eagerly watched and discussed, t

t womanly. Her sex was the very essence of her; she had no need to wear it like a furbelow. She was utterly different from the feminine, adroit women he had known

ed out to touch the wings. For the first time in his life he was too deeply e

twisted like an uncertain white serpent. Stefan was sketching her, as he had done already several times when he could get her apart from

, with a flying veil lifting above it, when a shadow fell across

imself onto a huge iron cleat between which and the bulwarks the

u speak English?" exclaimed

en," replied the Scot with imperturbable good humor, "so I lik

ning, Mr. McEwan, isn't it beautiful up he

otchman, "and ye look bonnie

she answered smilingly, indicating, with a touch of mischi

before Stefan could stop him

nt with irritation, snatched the sketch from his hands and broke out at him in a stammering torrent of French of the Quarter, which neither of his listeners, he was aware, could understan

temper, there's nae dooting," said he, addressing himself to

repenting his strategic error, returned, and in despair

I'm always like that when I'm painting and any one interrupts-it sends me crazy. The light's just right, and it won

sarming, but in any case, the Sc

, lumbering to his feet, "and I'll no disobleege

Stefan since his outburst, murmured

that ever escaped from his native menagerie? Did you hear him commence to criticize my work? The oaf! I'm afraid-" glancing at her face-"that I sw

ery cool voice. She was experiencing her first shock of disappo

mean?" he a

m him. "It was so unkind and unnecessary to break out at the p

tably, "I can't be polite to peo

ven more coldly. She meant that it hurt her, obscured the ideal s

laimed in an aggrieved tone, "I'm absolutely out of tune. You'll have to realize I'm made like that. I can't change, can't hide my real se

. Her throat was aching with hurt, so that she coul

xclaimed shortly

motionless. She felt very tired, without knowing

an alcove of the lounge, screened from the observation of the greater part of the room. She was reading, but as he came toward her she looked up and closed her book. Before he spok

d and spoke rat

morning. Can you possibly forgive me? I'm so horribly lonely without you." He was extrao

eight seemed to roll off her heart-and she

say it. You are the most beautiful thing in the wor

g her after him in a revulsion of relief, "come on deck and let's walk-

every one agreed. Bets began to circulate on the engagement. A fat salesman offered two to one it was declared before they picked up the Nantucket light. The pursy little passenger snapped an acceptance. "I'll take you. Here's a dollar says the lady is too p