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 though I say it that should not. The girls have improved in their singing."

"I hope they will not improve any more," said Blanche, "it is perfect as it is, in that simple touching style."

Captain Hopkinson tried to say something disparaging of his daughters' performances, but failed completely. He was rather absorbed in watching Mr. Harecourt's manner to Rose, he did not like to own it to himself, but the young gentleman of the out-rigger seemed more devoted to his daughter than was pleasant. Captain Hopkinson had no wish to have his family circle broken up, just as he had come home to enjoy himself, and, moreover, he distrusted an individual who owned such an absurd boat. He did not observe another adversary; Mr. Greydon had come to that stage of admiration, in which he fancied that everybody was watching him, that if he spoke to Janet, all the bystanders would believe he was in love, which really would be too ridiculous; she was pretty, certainly, and an excellent girl, most useful