The Professor looked out his window and observed that the storm was building. He'd thought of warning Gilligan and Mary Ann when they set out that night, but he knew that the farmgirl had much to say to the young sailor, if she could find the courage.

Roy had been surprised that she'd told him as much as she had. He knew his unemotional reputation, and not just on the island. He would've expected to be the last person that a young woman would choose to confide her feelings to. Adding to the awkwardness, that afternoon he'd confirmed a theory he'd developed over the past week, that the instruction Ginger was offering Gilligan had little to nothing to do with the terpsichorean arts.

The Professor would never have spied or snooped, but he couldn't help stumbling across a clearing with two cane chairs and a blanket. He could understand the chairs, as Gilligan and Ginger might wish to rest between dances. But a blanket spread out on the ground suggested lounging. It was possible that these items were left by someone else, such as the Howells, but it seemed unlikely that the long-married couple would have a jungle interlude, especially when they'd probably prefer the relative comfort of one of their two beds.

Furthermore, Roy had seen Gilligan carrying both chairs the night of the first lesson. It was possible that someone else had added the blanket later, for an unrelated purpose, but that was implausible.

The Professor told himself it was none of his business what Ginger and Gilligan were doing together, but it was difficult to be indifferent. After all, this was a tiny and somewhat close-knit community. No man was an island, especially on an island.

He wasn't going to be the first to bring up the subject of course, but when Mary Ann came knocking a couple hours ago, it was almost a relief to discuss it. That did not mean, however, that he could speak with as much candor as the girl could.

After apologizing for bothering him, and a bit of hemming and hawing, Mary Ann said, "Professor, I wanted to talk to you about Gilligan's lessons with Ginger."

"Oh?" He knew he'd have to be careful to give away neither his theory nor his opinion on that theory.

"Yes, you see." Mary Ann seemed to be embarrassed and he was tempted to spare blushes by cutting her off, but he did have the feeling that they both needed someone to discuss this with, no matter how awkward it might be. "Well, they're not really dance lessons."

"And what makes you think that?"

"Well, she told me."

"Oh." He was a little surprised, but he supposed it was the sort of thing close female companions would confide in each other.

"I mean, she didn't go into detail of course, but it was pretty clear what she meant. And, well, I know it's none of my business of course, but I worry about Gilligan. He's so naive and trusting."

The Professor didn't point out that so was she. He was hardly a worldly person himself, although he had a scientist's rationality. "So you feel protective of him?"

"Well, yes. Not that Ginger's a bad person or anything. I mean, she's one of my best friends. I don't think she'd deliberately hurt him. But, well, you know how flirty she is. And things might not mean the same to her as to him."

"Things?"

"You know what I mean." She was definitely blushing now.

He didn't want to further embarrass her, but after almost three years on the island, he knew how it easy it was for people to misunderstand each other and proceed under false premises. He coughed. "Just to be clear, you think that she's instructing him in, um, romance, and you fear that her greater knowledge of physical and emotional intimacy, as well as his tendency towards literalness, puts him at a decided disadvantage."

"Yeah, sort of."

"If that's the case, I think the Skipper would be a better choice to give Gilligan the advice of an older man." Not only was the Skipper much closer to Gilligan than the Professor was, but he was much more knowledgeable about women and much more comfortable discussing the topic.

"Well, yes, I suppose so, but I didn't really want you to talk to Gilligan. I was sort of hoping you could talk to Ginger."

"To Ginger?" That would be an even more awkward discussion, for many reasons.

"Yes. Maybe you could ask her, well, her intentions. "

"Intentions?"

"Yes, like is this just a game to her or does she have genuine feelings for him?"

As much as Roy would like to know the answer to that, he had trouble imagining asking the question. "Wouldn't that be better coming from you? After all, you're her roommate and you're both girls."

"Yes, but I'm afraid I'm not exactly a disinterested party."

It was not exactly a confession of undying love for Gilligan, but it was enough to support a theory he'd had since at least the time that Mrs. Howell had tried to matchmake the two youngest castaways, and Mary Ann had seemed extremely cooperative.

"So you're looking for someone who's more neutral than you."

The way she said, "Exactly," made him wonder how much insight she had into his feelings, particularly when she added, "And I know Ginger respects you and values your opinion."

The Professor did not point out that this was hardly an area where Ginger would defer to his expertise. Instead, he said, "I'll make you a deal. I'll talk to Ginger, if you'll talk to Gilligan."

She blushed a little but softly said, "All right."

He assumed that that would buy him some time. It was then almost eight o' clock. Gilligan would soon be setting out with Ginger, as he had punctually every night for a week. Mary Ann would be unable to speak with Gilligan that night, and perhaps once she did, there would be no need for Roy to speak on this matter with Ginger.

But then, a few minutes later, Gilligan had departed with Mary Ann instead of with Ginger. The Professor overheard Mrs. Howell say, "Gilligan, isn't it time for your dance lesson?" and Gilligan self-consciously reply, "Uh, Ginger's feeling tired so, um, I'm going for a walk with Mary Ann."

Of course, that was no guarantee that the two young people would broach the sensitive topic. Roy was not yet honor-bound to address Ginger on the same topic, especially not when Ginger was probably turning in early. Besides, it looked like it might rain. He could wait until at least the next day.

However, when the rain came, it was heavier than he predicted. He felt a pang of guilt for not warning Mary Ann, so that she could've postponed her walk with Gilligan or at least dressed more sensibly. That mini-dress may've been the latest fashion, but it wouldn't offer much protection against a storm.

More time passed and he had the feeling that Mary Ann and Gilligan wouldn't be coming back any time soon. Likely they'd seek shelter in one of the islands' many caves. Perhaps the Professor should brave the storm, and his fears and doubts, in order to talk to Ginger.

If she was sleeping, it could wait until morning. But she invited him in and he entered her hut, unaware of the length or consequences of this visit.