'
'I never feel the need of working up an appetite,' he answered pettishly.
'Well, as I said before, let us sit down;' and the girl, having found
her chair, lifted the rug that lay upon it, and took her place.
The young man, after standing for a moment looking at her through his
glistening monocle, finally sat down beside her.
'The beastly nuisance of living on board ship,' he said, 'is that you
can't play billiards.'
'I am sure you play enough at cards to satisfy you during the few days we
are at sea,' she answered.
'Oh, cards! I soon tire of them.'
'You tire very quickly of everything.'
'I certainly get tired of lounging about the deck, either walking or
sitting.'
'Then, pray don't let me keep you.'
'You want me to go so you may walk with your newly-found friend, that
miner fellow?'
'That miner fellow is talking with my father just now. Still, if you
would like to know, I have no hesitation in telling you I would much
prefer his company to yours if you continue in your present mood.'
'Yes, or in any mood.'
'I did not say that; but if it will comfort you to have me say it, I
shall be glad to oblige you.'
'Perhaps, then, I should go and talk with your father, and let the miner
fellow come here and talk with you.'
'Please do not call him the miner fellow. His name is Mr. Kenyon. It is
not difficult to remember.'
'I know his name well enough. Shall I send him to you?'
'No. I want to talk with you in spite of your disagreeableness.
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