"Now, what were you smiling about ?" "Didn't know I was smiling," declared the captain.
With marvellous tact he turned the conversation to lighthouses, a subject upon which he discoursed with considerable fluency until the meal was finished.

Miss Drewitt, who had a long memory and at least her fair share of curiosity, returned to the charge as he smoked half a pipe preparatory to accompanying her for a walk.
"You're looking very cheerful," she remarked.
The captain's face fell several points.

"Am I ?" he said, ruefully.

"I didn't mean to." "Why not ?" inquired his niece.
"I mean I didn't know I was," he replied, "more than usual, I mean.

I always do look fairly cheerful--at least, I hope I do.