"My dear children," said Trif, although Kate was only three years younger than she and Jermyn was older by several years, "you ought to be the happiest people alive, except Phil and I; but to keep the matter to ourselves for a while, if only to divert attention and prevent impertinent curiosity while Kate is down here--you know how some of the best of people will talk--don't tell any one--although I'm sure that I must tell Fenie, who can't help telling Harry, but no one else need know." "But, my dear madam," said Jermyn, once more rising and peering earnestly in every direction, "your interesting daughter already knows. I do wish I knew where to look for her." "Trixy knows? How on earth did she learn?" "Tell her--if you can," said Kate to Jermyn. "I am sure that you would do it more gracefully," said Jermyn. "Oh," began Kate, "we were walking along the beach, talking about--never mind what. I hadn't the faintest idea how far we were from the hotel, and the first thing I knew we were near the lighthouse, and I didn't know that any one else was anywhere near us--indeed, I didn't think. Just then Mr. Jermyn--oh, the artfulness of some men--Mr. Jermyn--he----" "He suddenly recognized Miss Trewman as his superior officer for all time, and he made the salute which custom has sanctioned for such occasions," interrupted Jermyn. "Very gracefully done," murmured Kate with a tender look. "What?--the salute? Your remark encourages me to----" "No, you horrid fellow; the explanation." "But what has this to do with Trixy?" asked Trif. "Only this; it seems that she had been following us all the while, and she heard it." Trif pursed her lips a moment, and laughed before she said: "I suppose that soldiers are so accustomed to noisy salutes that they don't always think----" "Oh," said Kate, "I'm sure she didn't hear the kiss, because I didn't, and I think--oh, Trif, you're too mean for anything! To make me----" "I think I made some remarks afterward," said Jermyn, "but they were interrupted by a shout of 'Hurrah,' and on looking around we saw Trixy." "She shan't trouble you again!" exclaimed Trif. "I'll take her home--to-morrow." "Please don't!" exclaimed Kate. "How could you be so cruel?" asked Jermyn. "You inconsistent, incomprehensible couple. A moment ago you were complaining that----" "But haven't you any mercy for Harry and Fenie?" asked Kate. "They are so ecstatically happy here." "Quite right, my dear!" said Jermyn gravely. "Harry and Fenie, to be sure!" "But they can see each other in New York quite as well as if they were here," argued Trif. "But what is to become of me?" asked Kate. "If you go home, Fenie will go with you, and Harry will want to hurry after, and I can't remain here alone, and you are the only married woman of my acquaintance who is here, and who knows."