ook a seat on the trunk of a tree that lay by the side and
waited for him to come up. She heard his footsteps coming nearer and
nearer, and with a satisfied smile noted that he had quickened his pace.
He came round the corner at the rate of over four miles an hour, and,
coming suddenly upon her, was unable to repress a slight exclamation
of surprise. The check was but momentary, and he was already passing
on when the voice of Miss Jelks, uplifted in sorrow, brought him to a
standstill.

"Oh, Master Bassett," she cried, "I am surprised! I couldn't have
believed it of you."

Bassett, squeezing his hands together, stood eying her nervously.

"And you so quiet, too," continued Rosa; "but there, you quiet ones are
always the worst."

The boy, peering at her through his spectacles, made no reply.

"The idea of a boy your age falling in love with _me_," said Rosa,
modestly lowering her gaze.

"_What!_" squeaked the astonished Bassett, hardly able to believe his
ears.

"Falling in love and dogging my footsteps," said Rosa, with relish,
"and standing there looking at me as though you could eat me."

"You must be mad," said Bassett, in a trembling voice. "Stark staring
mad."

"It's to make you leave off loving me," she explained

"Don't make it worse," said Rosa kindly. "I suppose you can't help it,
and ought to be pitied for it really. Now I know why it was you winked
at me when you came to the house the other day."

"_Winked!_" gasped the horrified youth. "_Me?_"

"I thought it was weakness of sight, at the time," said the girl, "but I
see my mistake now. I am sorry for you, but it can never be. I am
another's."

Bassett, utterly bereft of speech, stood eying her helplessly.

"Don't stand there making those sheep's eyes at me," said Rosa. "Try and
forget me. Was it love at first sight, or did it come on gradual like?"

Bassett, moistening his tongue, shook his head.

"Am I the first girl you ever loved?" inquired Rosa, softly.

"No," said the boy. "I mean--I have never been in--love. I don't know
what you are talking about."

"Do you mean to say you are not in love with me?" demanded Rosa,
springing up suddenly.

"I do," said Bassett, blushing hotly.

"Then what did you follow me all round the town for, and then down
here?"

Bassett, who was under a pledge of secrecy to the boatswain, and,
moreover, had his own ideas as to the reception the truth might meet
with, preserved an agonized silence.

"It