"Nine-an'-twenty years I sailed with the cap'n and served 'im faithful, and this is my reward." Hardy pleaded his case next day.

Miss Nugent was alone when he called, and, moved by the vivid picture he drew of the old man's loneliness, accorded her full forgiveness, and decided to pay him a visit at once.
The fact that Hardy had not been in the house five minutes she appeared to have overlooked.
"I'll go upstairs and put my hat and jacket on and go now," she said, brightly.
"That's very kind of you," said Hardy.

His voice expressed admiring gratitude; but he made no sign of leaving his seat.
"You don't mind ?" said Miss Nugent, pausing in front of him and slightly extending her hand.
"Not in the least," was the reply; "but I want to see Wilks myself.
Perhaps you'll let me walk down with you ?" The request was so unexpected that the girl had no refusal ready.

She hesitated and was lost.

Finally, she expressed a fear that she might keep him waiting too long while she got ready--a fear which he politely declined to consider.
"Well, we'll see," said the marvelling Miss Nugent to herself as she went slowly upstairs.