I think I know him." "Are you defending the braggart ?" "Not at all! I detest him," cried the girl, springing to her feet, her face crimsoning.

"He is perfectly abominable." "I--I wouldn't speak quite so loudly, my dear," cautioned her aunt, glancing at the door uneasily--"It would be like him to listen outside the door,--or at any rate, one of his men may have been set to spy upon--" "Don't be silly, Aunt Julia.

And don't be afraid.

Mr.Percival isn't going to make us walk the plank for mutiny, or put us in chains,--or outrage us,--if that is what you are thinking.

Now, go to bed, you old dear, and--" "I insist on your staying in my room, Ruth.