After supper they separated, as before, at the head of the companion-way leading down into the ladies’ cabin, where Gloria spent the evening in drawing out Long Laweeny to talk of the old La Comptes until bed-time, when she retired to her berth. The same evening David spent in talking to the officer of the deck until the hour came which relieved the latter, and drew the former to the saloon state-room, which he shared with a country storekeeper.
It was sunset when she entered the mouth of the Potomac and near daylight when she reached Washington.
When Gloria awoke that morning the first thing that struck her was the stillness of the steamer, and the next a small fleet of oyster-boats, a crowded wharf, and a row of dingy warehouses—all seen through the window of her state-room as soon as she slid back the shutter.
Then she dressed quickly, for she knew the boat was at Washington.
But again she was seized with that panic of dread which had temporarily overcome her on her awakening on the previous morning. Again she felt the impulse to fly from her purpose and return to her home while there was yet time. But the vision of her uncle in his madness arose before her mind’s eye and checked her impulse.
“No, I cannot trust him! I cannot trust myself! but I can trust David Lindsay!” she said, as she completed her toilet, put her little personal effects into her traveling-bag, and went up on deck.
David Lindsay received her there and led her at once to the saloon, where the passengers were already at breakfast. She, being the only lady, received much attention. Her seat had been kept for her, and dainties were pressed upon her; but so troubled was her spirit at the prospect of her fate, that she could only swallow a little coffee and make a pretence of eating.
When the counterfeit meal was over, she arose from the table, bowed to her fellow-passengers, and left the saloon, attended by David Lindsay.
“We may go on shore at once. I had already engaged a carriage when you first came on deck,” said the young man, as he led her across the gang-plank from the wharf, where the hack was waiting.
He handed her in, saw her comfortably seated, and followed and placed himself opposite to her.