She obeyed, and they almost sped round the deck, he looking spiritually
intoxicated, and she, calm by contrast, but with an inward glow as though
behind her face a rose was on fire. The deck watched them and nodded its
head. There was no doubt about it now, every one agreed. Bets began to
circulate on the engagement. A fat salesman offered two to one it was
declared before they picked up the Nantucket light. The pursy little
passenger snapped an acceptance. "I'll take you. Here's a dollar says the
lady is too particular." The high-bosomed matron confided her fears for
the happiness of the girl, "who has been real kind to Johnnie," to the
spinster who had admired Stefan the first day out. Gossip was universal,
but through it all the two moved radiant and oblivious.




VI


McEwan had succeeded in his fell design of getting up a concert, and the
event was to take place that night. Miss Elliston, who had promised to
sing, went below a little earlier than usual to dress for dinner. Byrd
had tried to dissuade her from taking part, but she was firm.

"It's a frightful bother," she said, "but I can't get out of it. I
promised Mr. McEwan, you know."

"I won't say any further what I think of McEwan," replied Stefan,
laughing. "Instead, I'll heap coals of fire on him by not trying any
longer to persuade you to turn him down."