Turner retired early. Mrs. Johns played
accompaniments for Vail to sing to, in the chart-room, until
something after eleven, when they, too, went to their rooms.
It being impracticable for me to go to my quarters in the storeroom
until the after house was settled, I went up on deck. Miss Lee had
her arm through Turner's and was talking to him. He seemed to be
listening to her; but at last he stopped and freed his arm, not
ungently.
"That all sounds very well, Elsa," he said, "but you don't know what
you are talking about."
"I know this."
"I'm not a fool--or blind."
He lurched down the companionway and into the cabin. I heard her
draw a long breath; then she turned and saw me.
"Is that you, Leslie?"
"Yes, Miss Lee."
She came toward me, the train of her soft white gown over her arm,
and the light from a lantern setting some jewels on her neck to
glittering.
"Mrs. Johns has told me where you are sleeping. You are very good
to do it, although I think she is rather absurd."
"I am glad to do anything I can."
"I am sure of that. You are certain you are comfortable there?"
"Perfectly."
"Then--good-night. And thank you."
Unexpectedly she put out her hand, and I took it. It was the first
time I had touched her, and it went to my head. I bent over her
slim cold fingers and kissed them.
Pages:
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57