losing one half of the pleasure of the present
occasion?" said Mr. Waterford.

"I did not say that, but I did expect a lively party, as you told me
you had invited half a dozen ladies and gentlemen."

"I did; and they all promised to come if it was possible," pleaded the
skipper. "I am very sorry they did not, and that you are so much
dissatisfied with your present company."

"Why, no, Mr. Waterford; I did not say that, and did not mean it,"
interposed Marian. "I only say that half the fun on the water is having
a good lively party. You know what a nice time we had singing and
chatting the last time we went."

"We had a pleasant time. I thought, from what you said, that you
considered your present company rather disagreeable, and the excursion
a failure."

"You know I did not mean any such thing as that, Mr. Waterford," said
Marian, reproachfully. "You are very kind to invite me at all, and it
is very ungrateful for me to say anything; but I do like a lively
party."

"I am afraid it is only a selfish thing on my part," added the skipper,
as he bestowed upon his beautiful companion a look of admiration,
beneath which she blushed even as she gazed into the clear waters of
the lake. "Phil," called he, turning to me.

"Here," I replied, springing up from my reclining posture on the
forward deck.

"I wish you would hoist the new burgee. We ought to wear our gayest
colors to-day."

"Where is it?"

"In the cabin after locker, starboard side. Run it up, if you please."

I went into the cabin, and found the flag. It was a gay affair, in
bright colors, with the new name of the yacht inscribed upon it. I
attached it to the halyards, and ran it up to the mast-head. Miss
Collingsby took no notice of it, but continued to gaze into the water.

"What do you think of my new burgee, Miss Collingsby?" asked the
skipper.

"It is very pretty indeed," she replied, with more indifference than it
seemed quite polite to display. "It is as gay as the rest of the boat.
You are fond of bright colors, Mr. Waterford."

"In a boat, I am. Do you see the name which is upon it?"

"Marian!" exclaimed she, after spelling out the name upon the flag.
"What does that mean?"

"It is the name of the boat."

"Why, the last time I sailed in her, she was called the Michigan."

"That is very true, but she is called the Marian now," replied Mr.
Waterford, trying to look very amiable and modest.

"That's my name."

"Certainly; and that's