“Then, dear, I shall go away, as I said, and not trouble you with my love, but when I am far away will you think of me sometimes, Italy, and--if you should ever need me or want me--send for me, for if you will not have me for your husband, I can still be your friend,” said the young man earnestly and sadly. Before Italy could answer in the grateful words her heart prompted, Ralph Allen called to them across the deck: “Why are you two over there looking so glum? Do come over here and listen to the funny joke Alexie is telling me.” “Let us hear it, too,” exclaimed Percy Seabright. “Come, Ione,” and he led her rather unwillingly to join the gay group, for Mr. Murray and Alys also came with several more of the excursion-party--all friends, and quite at home with each other. Mrs. Dunn did not like to place herself in close contrast to young girls, for she was thirty-five, though she claimed to be ten years younger, and her figure, which was short and dumpy, did not look well in yachting-costume. She wore an immense red hat which served to increase the squat effect of her plump form in its showy costume of garnet and gold. She was in an ill-concealed temper, and it did not improve it to see her betrothed place himself close to Italy’s side, where she stood leaning against the deck-rail, looking down with sad, somber eyes into the deep-blue water. Emmett Harlow was on the other side of her, and his expression of profound melancholy told the story of his disappointment without words. “Go on with your story, Alexie,” exclaimed Ralph Allen, who was in a very happy mood to-day, and no wonder. A favorite of Fortune from his birth, betrothed to a sweet and lovely girl, and afloat on the daintiest yacht in Winthrop harbor, upon billowy blue waters, under sunny blue skies, with gay companions, how could he be aught but happy? Pretty Alexie laughed and blushed. “I’m not sure anybody will be interested in it, but, as I was saying----” she began, when she was interrupted by Percy Seabright. “Oh, come quick, everybody, and see this great fish!” he exclaimed eagerly, and every one crowded over to the side of the deck, laughing and hustling each other in their haste. Italy Vale, close to his side, leaned forward with the rest, craning her graceful neck eagerly to catch a sight of the wonder. How did it happen? Did she lean too far over? Did she lose her balance? All in a moment, Italy’s light form flashed over the rail, and she was struggling, sinking, in the deep-blue sea. CHAPTER VII. IN DEADLY PERIL. Italy’s sudden and terrible accident caused the wildest consternation to the gay pleasure-party on board the beautiful yacht, _White Wings_, and the shrieks of startled women filled the air. Above all rose the anguished voice of Alexie Audenreid: “Save her! Oh, save her!” “My God, I cannot swim!” exclaimed Emmett Harlow despairingly, but even while he spoke there was a splash in the water.