I'll
prove that by my certificates and all that, or give me two weeks'
trial, and see for yourself."
"Oh, it isn't that," she said.
"Then, what is it?" he broke out. "Only the other day they offered
me a Western Ocean liner, and, if you like, I'll send you the
letter. If I am good enough for a big passenger ship, I guess I
can run the Minnehaha to please you!"
"Frank," she returned, "it is not a question of your competency at
all. You know very well I'd trust my life to you, blindfold. It's
--it's the social side, the old affair between us, the first names
and all that kind of thing."
"Oh, I see!" he said blankly.
"As an officer on my ship," she said, "you could easily put
yourself and me in a difficult position. In a way, we'll really be
further apart than if you were in South America and I in Monte
Carlo, for, though we'd always be good friends, and all that, the
formalities would have to be observed. Now, I have offended you?"
she added, putting out her hand appealingly.
"I think you might have known me better, Florence," he returned.
"I am not offended--what right have I to be offended--only a
little hurt, perhaps, to think that you could doubt me for a
single moment in such a matter. I understand very well, and
appreciate the need for it. Did you expect me to call you Florence
on the quarterdeck of your own vessel, and presume on our old
friendship to embarrass you and set people talking? Good Heavens,
what do you take me for?"
"Don't be angry with me, Frank," she pleaded.
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