The meal
proceeded in silence, though occasionally she astonished her companions
by little mysterious laughs, which caused them slight uneasiness. As she
made no hostile demonstration, however, they became reassured, and
congratulated themselves upon the success of their manoeuvre.
"How long shall we be getting back to London, do you think?" inquired
Mrs. Blossom at last.
"We shall probably sail Tuesday night, and it may be anything from six
days upwards," answered the skipper. "If this wind holds it'll probably
be upwards."
To his great concern Mrs. Blossom put her handkerchief over her face,
and, shaking with suppressed laughter, rose from the table and left the
cabin.
The couple left eyed each other wonderingly.
"Did I say anything pertickler funny, George?" inquired the skipper,
after some deliberation.
"Didn't strike me so," said the mate carelessly; "I expect she's thought
o' something else to say about your family. She wouldn't be so good-
tempered as all that for nothing. I feel cur'ous to know what it is."
"If you paid more attention to your own business," said the skipper, his
choler rising, "you'd get on better. A mate who was a good seaman
wouldn't ha' let a cook go on like this--it's not discipline."
He went off in dudgeon, and a coolness sprang up between them, which
lasted until the bustle of starting in the small hours of Wednesday
morning.
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