With the natural perversity of her sex Josie ceased to be curious the moment she was told to read it , and meekly handed it over ; but she watched Demi as he calmly read the two lines it contained and then threw it into the fire . ` Why , Jack , I thought you 'd treasure every scrap the `` sweetest maid '' touched . Do n't you care for her ? ' ` Very much ; we all do ; but `` mooning and spooning '' , as you elegantly express it , is not in my line . My dear little girl , your plays make you romantic , and because Alice and I act lovers sometimes you take it into your silly head that we are really so . Do n't waste time hunting mares nests , but attend to your own affairs and leave me to mine . I forgive you , but do n't do it again ; it 's bad taste , and tragedy queens do n't romp . ' The last cut finished Josie ; she humbly begged pardon and went off to bed , while Demi soon followed , feeling that he had not only settled himself but his too inquisitive little sister also . But if he had seen her face as she listened to the soft wailing of his flute he would not have been so sure , for she looked as cunning as a magpie as she said , with a scornful sniff : ` Pooh , you ca n't deceive me ; I know Dick is serenading Sophy Wackles . ' Chapter 11 . EMIL 'S THANKSGIVING The Brenda was scudding along with all sail set to catch the rising wind , and everyone on board was rejoicing , for the long voyage was drawing towards an end . ` Four weeks more , Mrs Hardy , and we 'll give you a cup of tea such as you never had before , ' said second mate Hoffmann , as he paused beside two ladies sitting in a sheltered corner of the deck . ' I shall be glad to get it , and still gladder to put my feet on solid ground , ' answered the elder lady , smiling ; for our friend Emil was a favourite , as well he might be , since he devoted himself to the captain 's wife and daughter , who were the only passengers on board . ` So shall I , even if I have to wear a pair of shoes like Chinese junks . I 've tramped up and down the deck so much , I shall be barefooted if we do n't arrive soon , ' laughed Mary , the daughter , showing two shabby little boots as she glanced up at the companion of these tramps , remembering gratefully how pleasant he had made them . ` Do n't think there are any small enough in China , ' answered Emil , with a sailor 's ready gallantry , privately resolving to hunt up the handsomest shoes he could find the moment he landed . ' I do n't know what you would have done for exercise , dear , if Mr Hoffmann had not made you walk every day . This lazy life is bad for young people , though it suits an old body like me well enough in calm weather . Is this likely to be a gale , think ye ? ' added Mrs Hardy , with an anxious glance at the west , where the sun was setting redly .
` Only a capful of wind , ma'am , just enough to send us along lively , ' answered XXXXX , with a comprehensive glance aloft and alow .
Alice China Chinese Emil Jack Josie Mary day fire perversity