“You should be happier than you look, then, for your singing is better than a vaudeville show.”
“You ain’t none too partic’lar about classing me, be you?”
“Singing isn’t in your line, and if I were you I’d not try it.”
“Beth, what’s wrong? You don’t seem real glad to see me.”
“Of course, I’m glad to see you, my dear old sailor Uncle,” she said, rising and putting her arms about his neck.
“Thanks, Beth.” He choked out the words, for as he looked down he saw the sign of tears in her eyes. “I’ve been cruising round nigh onto three days, and that’s a purty long spell for the land-lubber I’m getting to be.”
“Your return was as sudden as your departure, wasn’t it?”
“Sudden? What do you mean by that?”
“Just what I say. I was looking for the Jennie P. to come into the harbor. Perhaps she came as she went, like the ships that pass in the night.”