d regarded him for half a second; but then she turned aside
somewhat, so that he and Tom might talk together. For he was Mr. Tom's
friend, and no doubt they might have something to say to each other
about boots or cigars, or such things.

However, the three of them very soon found themselves walking together,
up towards the end of the empty pier, and Tom was in an amazingly good
humour, and did his best to amuse this new friend. They sat down where
they were sheltered from the gusts of wind, and listened a little to
the music, and talked a great deal--though Madge chiefly listened.
Madge pretended to be mostly interested in the music, and in the few
more people who had now been tempted to come down the pier; but she
knew that while her brother and Captain King were very busy talking,
the latter was very frequently regarding her. What she did not know
was that he was trying to make himself believe that that was Nan who
was sitting there.

Then they went for a stroll again, and they looked at the kiosques, and
they took refuge from a few passing drops of rain; and they hurried to
see a heavy fishing-smack go by the end of the pier, beating out
against the south-westerly wind. And although Frank King again and
again addressed her, as was demanded of him, she did not enter much
into conversation with him. He was Tom's friend, she let it be
understood. Nevertheless, she met his eyes once or twice, and she had
a pleasant and amiable look.

She began to think that there must be something very striking and
attractive about this young sailor, when even her brother Tom--who
seemed to consider that the whole world should wait upon his
highness--so clearly went out of his way to make himself agreeable.
Not only that, but when they had had enough of the pier, and had taken
a stroll or two along the King's Road, bringing the time to nearly one
o'clock, what must Mr. Tom do but insist that Frank King should come in
and lunch with them?

'Well, I will,' said he, 'if you will dine with me at the hotel in the
evening. Dining by yourself at a hotel is not exhilarating.'

'But you'd far better dine with us too,' said Mr. Tom, boldly.

'Oh, I can't do that,' said Frank King--but with a slight increase of
colour, which showed that he wished he could. 'Even as it is, I am
afraid Lady Beresford will think it rather cool if I turn up again now.'

'Oh, you don't know what Brighton is at this time of year,' said Mr.
Tom. 'All the