"Good evening, Mrs. Bunker, ma'am," said he, coming slowly up to her.
"Good evening, captain," said the lady, who was Mrs. only by virtue of
her age and presence.
"Fresh breeze," said the man in the high round hat. "If this lasts we'll
be in Ipswich in no time."
Mrs. Bunker assented.
"Beautiful the river is at present," continued the captain. "Everything
growing splendid."
"In the river?" asked the mystified Mrs. Bunker.
"On the banks," said the captain; "the trees, by Sheppey, and all round
there. Now, why don't you say the word, and come? There's a cabin like a
new pin ready for you to sit in--for cleanness, I mean--and every
accommodation you could require. Sleep like a humming-top you will, if
you come."
"Humming-top?" queried Mrs. Bunker archly.
"Any top," said the captain. "Come, make up your mind. We shan't sail
afore nine."
"It don't look right," said the lady, who was sorely tempted. "But the
missus says I may go if I like, so I'll just go and get my box ready.
I'll be down on the jetty at nine."
"Ay, ay," said the skipper, smiling, "me and Bill'll just have a snooze
till then. So long."
"So long," said Matilda.
"So long," repeated the amorous skipper, and turning round to bestow
another ardent glance upon the fair one at the door, crashed into the
waggon.
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