The steamer was now pushing off from the wharf amid much pulling, hauling, hallooing and shouting.
You couldn't "hear yourself think," even in the cabin, for a while.
"We are off, I believe," said Mary Grey, at length, when the uproar had subsided and they were moving swiftly and smoothly along.
"Yes. Will you come on deck? It is pleasanter there now," said Alden, rising and offering her his arm.
She took it with a smile and let him lead her up on deck.
And as they promenaded slowly up and down, enjoying the fine September morning and the beautiful river scenery, Mary Grey drew him on to speak of Emma Cavendish.
Of course the young lover desired no better theme.
And in this way, leading him to discourse of his love, listening to him with attention, pretending sympathy with his happiness, she effected several objects important to the success of her demoniac plot. She pleased him with himself and with her. She dispelled his suspicions, if any still lurked in his candid soul, and she kept him always near her, talking with her, and unconsciously attracting the attention of their fellow-voyagers, and leading them to believe that this handsome young man, speaking so earnestly in such low tones to his companion, and the lovely youthful widow, who was [listening] to him with such rapt attention, were a pair of happy and devoted lovers.
Thus passed the forenoon.
When the early steamboat dinner was ready he took her down to the table, sat beside her, and assiduously attended to her wants.