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The next morning Lady Moddyford brought them together, and, as soon as she gracefully could, left them alone.

Elizabeth looked fearfully at her cousin.

“You have done great, terrible things on the ocean, Captain Morgan—enough to freeze one thinking about them,” she said falteringly.

“The deeds were not great, nor very dreadful. Nothing is as good or as bad as the telling of it.”

And he thought, “I was wrong about her—very wrong. She is not supercilious at all. It must have been her father—the devil—who gave me a wrong impression of her. She is quite nice.”

“I am sure yours were great, if your modesty would let you admit it,” she was saying demurely.

“Do you know, I used to tremble at the tales they told of you, and hope that you were not in need or trouble.”

“Did you? Why did you? I didn't think you ever noticed me.”

Her eyes had filled with tears. “I have had trouble, too.”

“I know. They told me about your trouble, and I was sorry for you, little cousin Elizabeth. I hope you will let me help you in your trouble. Won't you sit here beside me, Elizabeth?”

She looked shyly at him. “I'll play for you, if you like,” she said.

“Ye-es—yes, do.”

“Now this is the Elves' Concourse. Listen! You can hear their little feet pattering on the grass.