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For a few moments he chatted with the old man, telling him what

had happened in Freekirk Head. Then he asked for Nellie, whom he

had not seen. As he asked she came up out of the cabin, having

just finished breakfast.

She was dressed in white this morning; a white canvas blouse with

a broad blue collar and V-neck held to modest stricture by a

flowing blue tie, a white duck skirt and whitened shoes--a

costume that set off her pink cheeks and bright eyes.

Since the violent emotions of the fire at the Head, her

courtship, and her self-analyzation since her split with Nat, she

had seemed to become more of a woman.

Nat had not the slightest doubt but that Nellie by this time

would have recovered from her angry pet of their last interview.

He was very certain that their ruction had only been temporary.

Nellie was unfeignedly glad to see him.

He stretched out his arms to her impulsively, but she refused

him, and he laughed the rebuff off good-naturedly.