n now. Will you meet me?" continued the
baronet, earnestly.

"If possible, I will."

They joined the party in the concert-room. Sir William was cool, and
inclined to be morose. Shuffles was rather disturbed by his manner,
and could not help wondering for what purpose the baronet wished to
meet him alone. He had not failed to see that Lady Feodora regarded her
travelling companion, whose relations to her he could only infer, with
a feeling bordering upon aversion, and that her demeanor towards him
was in marked contrast with her bearing towards himself. He was afraid
the proposed meeting related to this subject. While the party were
listening to the enchanting music of the band, he tried to ascertain
whether he had said or done anything to give offence to the baronet. It
was not his fault that the lady did not like Sir William, and rebelled
against the relation which appeared to exist in form between them. But
the captain was willing to give the baronet any explanation he might
demand, and hoped that all unpleasant feelings would be removed by the
interview.

After the tourists had returned to the hotel, and the ladies had gone
to their rooms, Shuffles walked up and down the hall till the baronet
joined him. Taking his arm, Sir William led him to an unfrequented part
of the garden, and there halted.

"Captain Shuffles, I believe you are a gentleman, and have the
instincts of a gentleman," the young Englishman began.

"I trust I have," replied Shuffles, not a little agitated, for the
manner of his companion was very earnest and serious.

"You have placed me under very great obligations to you. I cheerfully
acknowledge them. I am willing to believe that both Lady Feodora and
myself would have been drowned but for your plucky conduct and generous
efforts in our behalf on Lake Constance."

"I am very glad to have served you, and I assure you I hold you to no
obligations of any kind," replied Shuffles. "I simply did what I
regarded as my duty, which my sea life fitted me to perform."

"Having acknowledged my obligations, you will permit me to add, that I
think you are making a very unfair and ungenerous use of your position.
After your noble conduct on the lake, I expected something like
magnanimity from you. I am sorry to say I have been disappointed,"
continued Sir William, bitterly.

"Really, I do not understand you," replied the captain, amazed at the
sudden turn in the style of his companion.

"Is it possibl