Helena walked into the room in time to hear Ruth's query. "What's
this? What's this? Who talks of love?" Donald blushed furiously.
Helena laughed. "All right, Mr. McKenzie, don't feel so embarrassed.
I'll respect your confidence. I suppose Ruth was flirting as usual.
I've just come to call you in for a cup of coffee and some cakes."
They returned to the room again and had refreshments. Then Mr. and
Mrs. Asa Nickerson and Helena took their departure--the latter very
cordially shaking Donald's hand and wishing him a pleasant voyage and
trusting to meet and enjoy some singing again. "And don't let Ruthie
trifle with your affections," she added with a roguish glance at her
friend. "She's an awful flirt." Miss Nickerson smiled demurely. "Go
'way home," she cried, "or I'll have a reputation I don't really
deserve."
When they departed the Skipper clapped Donald on the back. "We'd
better turn in naow, Don," he said. "We'll roll aout at four an' get
aboard and aout down the shore for aour bait. We've got to get busy if
we're agoin' to get Ira Burton's money away from him."
Donald turned shyly to Ruth. "I suppose I'd better wish you 'Good-bye'
now--"
The girl shook her head. "No! I'll be up and give you and Juddy your
breakfast. Good-night!"