"And I don't
propose to let the attachment die out in my case, either," he added
boldly. "Captain Hosmer, may I write to you and your daughters
occasionally?"
The captain gave him a keen glance, which presently broadened into a
smile.
"I shall be happy to hear from you," he said heartily, "but I am not a
very good correspondent, myself. I usually get Faith, here, to answer
my letters. Of course she may not make them so interesting as I
should, but, barring a little too much tendency to long words and
poetical quotations, she does very well. Yes, indeed, let us hear
occasionally, Mr. Carnegie. I shall be interested to learn how you
succeed in your new work."
Though all were smiling at the captain's raillery, Carnegie turned an
earnest face upon him.
"I have some idea that I may go back with you. You will have to be
here much longer than you had intended, won't you?"
"Considerably longer, yes. All right, if you can. The old
'International' will give you a welcome."
The two callers lingered almost beyond the limits of etiquette, and
when they separated it was with an "Au revoir" from the young officer.
"I won't say good-by," he declared; "I shall see you again."
It was a day or so later. The Hosmers had taken the little steam
launch for a trip to the island of Elephanta, containing the famous
caves of the same name. It was a glorious morning, and the short trip
over the dancing, dazzling waves to the pretty islet, with its steep
banks and waving palms, was a delightful one.
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