“Well, to-morrow I--” Cyrus got up and sidled towards the door. “Anyhow, I don't believe he's thinking of such a thing.” “Miss North,” said Gussie, rising “_I_ will do it.” “What, _now?_” faltered Mary North. “Now,” said Mrs. Cyrus, firmly. “Oh,” said Miss North, “I--I think I will go home. Gentlemen, when they are crossed, speak so--so earnestly.” Gussie nodded. The joy of action and of combat entered suddenly into her little soul; she never looked less vulgar than at that moment. Cyrus had disappeared. Mary North, white and trembling, hurried out. A wheezing strain from the harmonicon followed her into the May sunshine, then ended, abruptly;--Mrs. Price had begun! On her own door-step Miss North stopped and listened, holding her breath for an outburst.... It came. A roar of laughter. Then silence. Mary North stood, motionless, in her own parlor; her shawl, hanging from one elbow, trailed behind her; her other glove had split; her bonnet was blown back and over one ear; her heart was pounding in her throat. She was perfectly aware that she had done an unheard-of thing. “But,” she said, aloud, “I'd do it again. I'd do anything to protect her. But I hope I was polite?” Then she thought how courageous Mrs. Cyrus was. “She's as brave as a lion!” said Mary North. Yet had Miss North been able to stand at the Captain's door, she would have witnessed cowardice. “Gussie, I wouldn't cry. Confound that female, coming over and stirring you up! Now don't, Gussie! Why, I never thought of--Gussie, I wouldn't cry--” “I have worried almost to death. Pro-promise!” “Oh, your granny was Mur--Gussie, my dear, now _don't_.” “Dr. Lavendar said you'd always been so sensible; he said he didn't see how you could think of such a dreadful thing.” “What! Lavendar? I'll thank Lavendar to mind his business!” Captain Price forgot Gussie; he spoke “earnestly.” “Dog-gone these people that pry into--Oh, now, Gussie, _don't!_” “I've worried so awfully,” said Mrs. Cyrus. “Everybody is talking about you. And Dr. Lavendar is so--so angry about it; and now the daughter has charged on me as though it is my fault!--Of course, she is queer, but--” “Queer? she's queer as Dick's hatband! Why do you listen to her? Gussie, such an idea never entered my head,--or Mrs. North's either.” “Oh yes, it has! Her daughter said that she had had to speak to her--” Captain Price, dumbfounded, forgot his fear and burst out: “You're a pack of fools, the whole caboodle! I swear I--” “Oh, _don't_ blaspheme!” said Gussie, faintly, and staggered a little, so that all the Captain's terror returned. _If she fainted!_ “Hi, there, Cyrus! Come aft, will you? Gussie's getting white around the gills--Cyrus!” Cyrus came, running, and between them they get the swooning Gussie to her room. Afterwards, when Cyrus tiptoed down-stairs, he found the Captain at the cabin door. The old man beckoned mysteriously.