W. Pett Ridge

“ The fortunate presence on the voyage of Mervale—who really seemed a very decent, quiet, generous sort of fellow—enabled George, when he could no longer keep up the pretence of good temper, to leave Miss Betterton in the care of the man from South Africa, returning when his equanimity was temporarily restored. Such was George's thankfulness to Mervale, that he determined to disclose to him the information concerning Miss Betterton's foreign friend in order to place him upon his guard.
"You are dull all at once, Mr. Wraight," complained Miss Betterton. "When we started you were quite bright. ”

“ Wraight," said Miss Betterton, with an attractive air of reproof.
"It's enough to make anybody," said George, gloomily.
"I wish you'd tell me what it is that's gone wrong, I'm sure there's something."
"I tell you there isn't," said George, doggedly.
"You're not cross—you're not put at all because I'm speaking to Mr. Mervale? You see he's such an old friend."
"I don't mind you talking to him," declared George, honestly. "Seems a straightforward sort of chap enough."
"Well, then," persisted Miss Betterton, "it must be something else. Is it anything I've said?" ”

“ Miss Oliffe had strongly urged that the invitation should be declined, and this had settled the matter.
"You shouldn't ask my advice, dear," said Miss Oliffe, tartly, "if you didn't mean to take it. Mr. Wraight's a very nice gentleman, and he parts his hair in the middle, and always lifts his hat in a well-bred manner, but I don't think it's the correct thing to go out with any gentleman unless——"
"That's just why I'm doing it, dear."
"You'll find out your mistake some day," said Miss Oliffe, punching her pillow with some annoyance. "Mark my words." ”