Page:WW Jacobs--The lady of the barge.djvu/35
"I didn't ask her," said her husband.
"I s'pose she came without being asked," sneered his wife, turning her regards to the passenger; "she looks the sort that might. You brazen-faced girl!"
"Here, go easy, Loo," interrupted the mate, flushing as he saw the girl's pale face.
"Mind your own business," said his sister, violently.
"It is my business," said the repentant mate. "I brought her aboard, and then we quarrelled."
"I've no doubt," said his sister, bitterly; "it's very pretty, but it won't do."
"I swear it's the truth," said the mate.
"Why did John keep it so quiet and hide her for, then?" demanded his sister.
"I came down for the trip," said Miss Harris; "that is all about it. There is nothing to make a fuss about. How much is it. Captain Gibbs?"
She produced a little purse from her pocket, but before the embarrassed skipper could reply, his infuriated wife struck it out of her hand. The mate sprang instinctively forward, but too