Pagina 177 van 416

Nellie turned her head away and looked over the oily gray sea to

where the men of the Rosan were toiling in their dories. In the

distance there was a sail here and there, for the Rosan was

slowly overhauling the fleet from Freekirk Head.

Code stole a swift glance at her, and forgot to read his letter

as he studied the fresh roundness and beauty of her face. He

vaguely felt that there was a reserved manner between them.

"The letter is from Mrs. Mallaby," he said.

"Yes? That is interesting."

The girl's cool, level eyes met his, and he blushed again.

"She has a good heart," he stumbled on, "and always thinks of

others."

"Yes, she has," agreed the girl without enthusiasm, and Code

dropped the subject.

"How did your father happen to have this for me?" he asked, after

a pause.