He recalled some romantic affairs of his earlier days, and the embarrassment of some meetings, and he persuaded himself that it was entirely for Kate's sake that he did not wish to encounter her suddenly that morning. But what could he do? Ha! He had it. He would run up to Norfolk and be measured for the new uniform which he had long been promising himself. The general commanding the department was soon to make his annual official visit to the fort; there would be an inspection and parade which should, if possible, exceed any of the weekly affairs, and if the Trewmans remained until that time, as he hoped they might, he would like to appear to the best possible advantage before the one woman in the world. The Norfolk boat chanced to be very slow that morning, and as the weather was quite warm Jermyn made his way as far forward as possible to get the air. Most of the other passengers had done likewise, but Jermyn found a vacant chair near some brother officers and made haste to take it. Two or three minutes later he saw, seated very near him, and reading as industriously as if her book were the most interesting in the world, Kate Trewman. Kate well knew who was seated near her, but she could not help looking shyly toward him. "What a delightful surprise!" said Jermyn, bravely, as he moved his chair toward Kate's. "Very kind of you," Kate murmured. "I had some shopping to do, and as my brother has already made me acquainted with some of the business streets, and as I could not persuade him to accompany me, I ventured alone. The truth is, I promised Trixy Highwood some dolls before I left New York, and she reminded me of them yesterday, and I think 'tis dreadfully cruel to disappoint a child--don't you?" "Indeed I do, when the child chances to be so interesting as Trixy." Jermyn cudgelled his wits a moment before continuing: "May I ask whether you know the ways of Norfolk shops? Some of the dealers regard Northern people as specially desirable prey, but there are others who make special concessions to us people of the fort. Won't you let me make you acquainted with some of them? After that, you may banish me when you will." "You are very kind. Oh, Mr. Jermyn, weren't these waters the scene of that wonderful fight between the Merrimac and the Monitor?" Jermyn immediately began the story of the historic naval engagement, and that Kate might see the localities more clearly he borrowed a glass from the pilot, and he begged permission to steady Kate's arm while she used the glass--the old boat trembled so provokingly, he said, and Kate herself admitted that she never had been on a boat whose deck was more unsteady, so Jermyn continued to assist her until nothing remained to be seen but the docks of Norfolk. Then he escorted her to two or three shops, making every possible excuse to remain with her. Finally, he said: