"Of course, there's less danger here than in port," she continued in the same icy tone, utterly ignoring me, "for here, at least, we can't be boarded at night by irresponsible people."
I winced.
"By people who drink," she added.
I winced again, for I seemed to be getting the winces now, and couldn't stop.
"That isn't fair, Miss Graham! Circumstances are against me, but you might suspend judgment till you know me better!"
"The circumstances require no further evidence," she said, with supreme indifference.
"But circumstantial evidence," I felt pleased at turning her phrase, "often wears the cap and bells, instead of the wig and gown!"
"I'm discovering that," she murmured, and added with a touch of sarcasm: "The knack of making a catch phrase is often very agreeable, but presupposes no presence of an idea."
Now I thought this most unkind of her, because I had been quite set up by my retort; so, arising with as much dignity as the waves would permit, I buttoned my coat, remarking:
"Then I'll go on deck, and leave you."