I should like to see her, but how can I manage it? I
simply dare not tell him I read that scrap of a letter, even by chance."
The dog, apparently, found her an excellent substitute; he licked her
ear contentedly. That tickled her, and she laughed.
"I fear you are a fickle lover, Joey," she said aloud. "But you will
simply be compelled to remain constant to me while we are in this
horrid place, and that may be for the remainder of our lives, dear."
Joey tried to lick her again to show that he didn't care. What could
any reasonable dog want more than fine weather, enough to eat, and the
prospect of an occasional scrimmage?
When Elsie did ultimately climb to the chart-house, the fit of
despondency had fled. Boyle was there, having been carried up in a
deck chair early in the day. He was alone.
"Huh!" he growled pleasantly. "You 're lookin' as bright as a new pin,
Miss Maxwell. Now, if I had been among the pirates, I'd have taken you
with me."
"Do you mean to say that you are actually paying me compliments?" said
she.
"Am I? Huh; didn't mean to. I'm an old married man.
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