ted the state of things between him and that woman who had
nursed him. Scandalmongers never did give any one the benefit of a
doubt. For instance, scandal might have been busy with her own name and
that of Captain Dalton, but she was innocent in act and thought. She
would not judge hastily; but she would allow no woman to dare to come
between herself and her husband. He was her own man. God had given him
to her, and she was glad she had taken the journey at all costs to put
matters right and send the depraved creature--who was trying to take her
place--about her own business. But if Ray had been false to her--she
knew he could not lie to her--she would....

Joyce seemed to arrive against a blank wall in her mind as she faced
such an unthinkable problem as Ray's unfaithfulness.

Later in the evening when she returned to the deck having gained the
mastery over her nerves, it was to find that an unhappy breach had come
to pass between Kitty and Jack.

Dancing was in full swing on the hurricane deck, a band was discoursing
dreamy melodies, and Jack with his back to the sea was leaning against
the taffrail and glowering at the ship's doctor who was dancing with
Kitty.

As the evening lengthened, it was evident that the latter was bent upon
inflicting all manner of snubs and punishments on her distracted lover
by the taffrail, which in a certain measure, recoiled upon herself.
Finally, when "lights-out" obliged dancing to come abruptly to an end,
Kitty retired to her cabin without so much as a good-night to Jack who
looked as if he had come to the end of all things.

"What is wrong?" Joyce asked her before turning into her berth. "Can I
help?"

"We've had a disagreement. That is all," said Kitty curtly, looking
white and angry. "You have heard of lovers' quarrels, I suppose?"

"There is no need to snap my head off," said Joyce. "I am only sorry to
see it happen. Life is too short for misunderstandings."

"I quite agree with you. But this is not a misunderstanding. I have been
deliberately deceived."

"How do you mean?"

"What's the use of discussing it?"

"There is no use if you are determined not to be helped."

"What can you do? What can any one do? This is a matter which is only
between us. I am sorry I did not know all about it before, or I would
not have become engaged."

A light dawned on Joyce's mind. "Oh--I see. Jack's been telling you
about his foolishness in the past!"

"You call it foolishness?"