Alice Leyton, who was attired somewhat gaily for a promenade in a garrison town, wriggled coquettishly to the front of the seat, and stood smiling at her lover. She was just what he had called her to his mother--one of the merriest, brightest girls in existence. She was only eighteen years old. Her sunny hair hung in waving curls about her face, and her laughing blue eyes, which never seemed dull or weary, played fearful havoc with the weaker sex. Yet Alice Leyton was no coquette. She flirted and romped with every one she could enlist under her banner, but it was with a view to general enjoyment, rather than to individual triumph. But with all her prettiness (which was undeniable) she did not look high-class. She was dressed to attract attention--innocent, maybe, but still attention--and she made the very most of her neat ankles and small waist and well-developed bust. Yet, after all, her charms were natural, and so were her manners. The ringing laugh and happy, youthful face, the waving hair, and the fresh colour, were all her own, and few men would have been found to deny their fascination. ‘Kiss me, Jack,’ she said effusively, as she held her rosy mouth towards him. ‘Not just yet, my dear child,’ he answered, smiling. ‘Why, there are a dozen people looking at us. Wait till I get you to myself at home, and I’ll show you what kissing means.’ ‘Horrid boy! Perhaps I sha’n’t be in the humour then. “Paddy, take me in the mind, and that’s just now,”’ pouted Alice. ‘Well, you shouldn’t get in the mind in the middle of the common,’ returned Jack. ‘You come and sit down, like a good girl, and behave yourself properly.’ ‘I’ve got something to tell you,’ she said, as she nestled up against him. ‘Spin away, Pussie! I’m all attention.’ ‘You see the _Water Witch_ lying there?’ continued Alice. ‘Bob Reynolds has bought her, and he is going to have a water-party to-morrow, and wants me to join it; but I told him I couldn’t go without you.’ ‘Oh! I see now why Reynolds was so anxious for my company,’ said Jack. ‘I thought it queer he should ask me to sail the _Water Witch_ for the first time, when he boasts so much of his own seamanship.’ ‘He _has_ asked you then!’ cried Alice. ‘And you will go, won’t you, dear Jack?’ ‘I am sorry to say I cannot promise,’ said Blythe, pulling his moustaches. ‘I may be obliged to go up to town. I told Reynolds so an hour ago.’ ‘And I sha’n’t be able to go then,’ said Alice, in a tone of vexation. ‘But why not, dear? Do you think that I cannot trust you, or that I am so selfish as to grudge you any enjoyment in which I cannot take part myself. We must not begin life on those terms, Alice. A sailor must always be prepared to part from his wife, and our marriage must be one of perfect trust on both sides, or it had better never take place at all.’