sitting down opposite Aunt Rachel

  "Oh, an old maid!" said the sailor, whose mode of life had made him unceremonious.   "I am a spinster," said Rachel, with dignity.   "That's the same thing," said the visitor, sitting down opposite Aunt Rachel, who eyed him suspiciously.   "My aunt, Rachel Harding, Capt. Bowling," introduced Jack. "Aunt Rachel, Capt. Bowling is the commander of a vessel now in port."   Aunt Rachel made a stiff courtesy, and Capt. Bowling eyed her curiously.   "Are you fond of knitting, ma'am?" he asked.   "I am not fond of anything," said Rachel, mournfully. "We should not set our affections upon earthly things."   "You wouldn't say that if you had a beau, ma'am," said Capt. Bowling, facetiously.   "A beau!" repeated Rachel, horror-stricken.   "Yes, ma'am. I suppose you've had a beau some time or other."   "I don't think it proper to talk on such a subject to a stranger," said Aunt Rachel, primly.   "Law, ma'am, you needn't be so particular."