He came slowly across the deck, and a little puzzled frown took the place of her smile as he drew near.
“Why do you look at me as though you had never seen me before?” she asked, as he took his place by her side.
“I never have, with the same eyes,” he answered uneasily.
“Idiot!” she laughed. “Well, you’ll have to put up with me for at least six weeks like this. Don’t you love the stillness with just the throb of the engine?”
“I’d like it better without the engine,” he observed. “It is beautiful enough here to make one believe that we are on our way to paradise, and that wretched throb keeps on reminding us that our next stop is Bombay.”
“Aren’t you just a little inclined to be cynical to-night?” she asked.
“I don’t know quite what’s the matter with me,” he answered restlessly. “I think that terrible country behind has broken my nerve, or——”
His thoughts flashed back to his stateroom. She was suddenly intent upon listening. From away upon the lower deck they could hear the sound of the orchestra. Her face lit up with pure joy.
“Dancing!” she cried. “I believe they’re dancing. Why, I haven’t even heard the music since I left New York! Come along!”
She had reached the companion ladder before he could catch her up. Already her feet were moving to the music.