wered Foote,
with a chuckle. "Of course I argued that, since she was foolish enough
to show her bad taste by marrying somebody else, it would scarcely have
become me to be grateful."

Browne glanced at Foote rather sharply. What did he mean by talking of
life-saving on mountains, on this evening of all others? Had he heard
anything? But Jimmy's face was all innocence.

At that moment the dressing gong sounded, and every one rose,
preparatory to departing to their respective cabins.

"Where is Maas?" Browne inquired of Marsh, who was the last to leave.

"He is on deck, I think," replied the other; but as he spoke the
individual in question made his appearance down the companion-ladder,
carrying in his hand a pair of field-glasses.

For some reason or another, dinner that night was scarcely as
successful as usual. The English mail had come in, and the Duchess had
had a worrying letter from the Duke, who had been commanded to Osborne
among the salt of the earth, when he wanted to be in the Highlands
among the grouse; Miss Verney had not yet recovered from what she
considered Browne's ill-treatment of herself that afternoon; while one
of the many kind friends of the American Ambassador had forwarded him
information concerning a debate in Congress, in order that he might see
in what sort of estimation he was held by a certain portion of his
fellow-countrymen. Never a very talkative man, Browne this evening was
even more silent than usual. The recollection of a certain pale face
and a pair of beautiful eyes haunted him continually. Indeed, had it
not been for Barrington-Marsh and Jimmy Foote, who did their duty
manfully, the meal would have been a distinct failure as far as its
general liveliness was concerned. As it was, no one was sorry when an
adjournment was made for coffee to the deck above. Under the influence
of this gentle stimulant, however, and the wonderful quiet of the
fjord, things brightened somewhat. But the improvement was not
maintained; the pauses gradually grew longer and more frequent, and
soon after ten o'clock the ladies succumbed to the general inertness,
and disappeared below.

According to custom, the majority of the men immediately adjourned to
the smoking-room for cards. Browne, however, excused himself on the
plea that he was tired and preferred the cool. Maas followed suit;
and, when the others had taken themselves off, the pair stood leaning
against the bulwarks, smoking and w