It was plain enough now. He had supposed I understood his intention, though he had never, I was sure, put the statement into words. He had as much right there as I, if it came to that. There was really no reason why I should treat him uncivilly. Miss May went on to her room and I waited a moment before going to mine. "Now you are here," I said, "you will of course take breakfast with me--or at least coffee, if you are in too much haste to wait longer." "I'm not in the least haste," he responded, "and I accept your invitation with great pleasure." "I've found an old friend here, Mr. Eggert," I said, as that individual appeared in a doorway. "We came on the Madiana together." Asking Eggert to entertain him for a little while I went to dress. Miss May heard me come in and spoke through the thin partition between our rooms. "You didn't act overjoyed to see Mr. Wesson," she said. "No. He's a sort of 'third person makes a crowd,' you know." "You're a selfish fellow. But wasn't that bath delightful!" "Perfection. Did I overstate it, when I described it to you yesterday?" "Not in the least--ough!" "What is the matter?" "I've stuck a pin in my finger." "I'm _so_ sorry!" Then followed sounds which indicated that the finger was being placed in her mouth to assuage the pain. "What a pity you are not a girl!" she said, a little later. "You could help dress me and save a lot of trouble." "I could help dress you without that awful alternative," I replied. "I am like the pilot in the story, I know every rock in the harbor." "Oh, I've no doubt. Look out, like that same pilot, you're not wrecked on one of them some day." "Can you manage a string tie?" I asked, as a more important subject was forced on my attention. I always made a mess of that operation and this morning my luck was worse than usual. "Easily," she said. "Do you want me to fix yours?" "I wish you would." "I will, with pleasure," she said. "Come in here when you are ready; or, shall I come there?" "For goodness' sake don't come just yet!" I exclaimed, thinking I heard her step. "I am not at all prepared. In fact that tie is about the only article of dress I have on." "Don't be afraid," came the mocking tones. "I am in much the same situation. Fifteen minutes from now we will both be ready, and then I shall be at your service." After several minutes of silence I inquired whether any more pins had proved unruly. "No, I'm getting on pretty well. Say, can you get at your soap?" "Why, do you want some?" "Yes." "How can I get it to you?" "Put on your morning gown and come to my door." I did so, with the cake of soap in my hand and met my companion, somewhat similarly arrayed, holding out a bare arm. She did look to my eyes at that moment wonderfully pretty. "Come, Marjorie," I said, dropping into the affectionate form, "you might let me in for a minute or two. You don't know how becoming that attire is."