The Pekinese dog was a new addition. Julia tried not to dislike her; for Julia, only Pitchouné existed. She could not touch Mimi without a sense of disloyalty. 

 The boat cut the azure water with its delicate white body, the decks glistened like glass. The sailor at whom Mimi had barked passed out of sight, and far up in the bow Tremont, in white flannels, stood smoking. 

 "I had to be very circumspect, my dear Julia, when I talked with Robert. You see you are not engaged to Monsieur de Sabron."  The girl colored.  "The sentimental woman in me," her aunt went on, "has responded to all your fantasies, but the practical woman in me calls me a romantic goose." 

 "Ah," breathed Miss Redmond, opening her book, "ma tante, let me read." 

 "Nonsense," said the marquise affectionately.  "The most important part of the whole affair is that we are here—that we are en route to Algiers, is it not?" 

 The girl extended her hand gratefully. 

 "And thank you! Tell me, what did you say to him?" 

 The marquise hummed a little tune, and softly pulled Mimi's ears. 

 "Remember, my child, that if we find Monsieur de Sabron, the circumspection will have to be even greater still." 

 "Leave that to me, ma tante." 

 "You don't know," said the determined lady quite sweetly, "that he has the slightest desire to marry you, Julia." 

 Miss Redmond sat up in her chair, and flamed. 

 "Do you want to make me miserable?" 

 "I intend to let my worldly wisdom equal this emergency, Julia. I want Robert to have no suspicion of the facts." 

 "How can we prevent it, ma tante?" 

 "We can do so if you will obey me." 

 The girl started, and her aunt, looking up at the Duc de Tremont where he stood in the bow, saw that he showed signs of finishing his smoke and of joining them. 

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