She let her eyes rest upon him in a curious, contemplative look.
"How absolutely British!" she remarked. "An American would have agreed instantly, but you, being British, only commit yourself half-way."
"Isn't that diplomacy?" he asked, entering into her mood. She was revealing another side of her nature. Each time he saw her she unfolded more and bared to his gaze new and stimulating mysteries of her personality.
"Perhaps. But I sha'n't confess to you now—just for that.... I understand you didn't have a very quiet night."
The only surprise he betrayed was a tightening of the muscles of the jaw.
"Really?"
Her smile grew into a laugh. "Show some surprise, Stone-man, instead of trying to impress me with the fact that you've suddenly acquired an interest down there"—her white hand flashed toward the steerage. "You're wondering how I know it, and seething with curiosity. You wouldn't be human if you weren't."
"I'm not"—forcing a smile. "But if you wish it, then how do you know it?"
"Well, it's considered excellent marine etiquette to visit the wireless-house and worry the operator when one is bored—as I happened to be this morning in the interim between my rising hour and breakfast—"
"And as feminine charm is an 'Open Sesame' to the secrets of wireless-operators," Trent finished up, "this particular one told all he knew."