s morning, who is one of
my mother's old friends. She wrote that she and her son would be down a
little later to open their cottage, but she hoped that we would meet you
girls before she came. I am so sorry that we have met first in such an
unfortunate fashion."

"Oh, never mind," interrupted Madge impatiently. "If you are Ethel Swann,
Mrs. Curtis has talked to us about you. We are very glad to know you, I
am sure."

"These are my friends, Roy Dennis and Mabel Farrar," Ethel went on, her
face flushing. The four girls bowed coldly. Mabel Farrar acknowledged the
introduction by a stiff nod. The young man took off his cap for the first
time when Madge introduced Captain Jules.

"Run your boat along the side of the overturned skiff and I'll tie her on
for you," ordered Captain Jules quietly. "I think I had better go along
back to land with you."

Roy Dennis, who was a little more frightened at his deed than he cared to
own, was glad to obey the captain's order.

Just as the girls were landing from the launch Mabel Farrar's foot
slipped and she gave a shrill scream. Instantly the girls recognized the
voice which they had heard the night before condemning them to social
oblivion.

Although Captain Jules had only a short time before positively refused
the invitation of the girls to come aboard the "Merry Maid" to pay them a
visit, it was he who handed each girl from the deck of Roy Dennis's boat
into the arms of their frightened chaperon. Finally he crossed over to
the deck of the houseboat himself, bearing little Tania in his arms and
looking in his wet tarpaulins like old King Neptune rising from the
brine.

Captain Jules was made to stay to luncheon on board the houseboat. There
was no getting away from the determined young women. In his heart of
hearts the old sailor had no desire to go. Something inspired him with
the desire to know more of these charming girls.

When the girls had put on dry clothing they led Captain Jules all over
the houseboat, showing him each detail of it. He insisted that the "Merry
Maid" was as trim a little craft as he had ever seen afloat.

After luncheon, at which the captain devoured six of Miss Jenny Ann's
best cornbread gems, he sat down in a chair on the houseboat deck,
holding Tania in his arms. He talked most to Phyllis, but he seldom took
his eyes off Madge's face. Sometimes he frowned at her; now and then he
smiled. Once or twice Madge found herself blushing and wondering why