"The night air," Master Simon murmured.
"—Against the damp house you're going back to," the lady corrected.
"You talk without giving it a trial."
"As you talk, in your parlour, of deep-sea voyages."
"As a ship's captain you would respect me perhaps?"
"No, for you haven't the head. But I should like your pluck. If I saw you setting off for sea in earnest, I would run out and give you a chance to steer a woman instead of a ship. You would find her safer."
Master Simon emptied his glass, rose, and wound his great comforter about his neck. The widow saw him to the door.
"You're a very obstinate woman," he said.
And with this he unmoored his boat and rowed resolutely homewards. A strong wind came piping down on the back of a strong tide, and Master Simon arched his shoulders against it.
"Married man or mariner!" it piped, as he rounded the first bend.