What do you have her here for, then ?" "Because I can't help myself," said Mr.Tasker, desperately; "that's why.
She's took a fancy to me, and, that being so, it would take more than you and me to keep 'er away." "Rubbish," said his master.
Mr.Tasker smiled wanly.

"That's my reward for being steady," he said, with some bitterness; "that's what comes of having a good name in the place.

I get Selina Vickers after me." "You--you must have asked her to come here in the first place," said the astonished captain.
"Ask her ?" repeated Mr.Tasker, with respectful scorn.

"Ask her?
She don't want no asking." "What does she come for, then ?" inquired the other.
"Me," said Mr.Tasker, brokenly.

"I never dreamt o' such a thing.