He pondered on this unexpected turn of things.
“Mr. Richard,” he repeated.
“Yes, Mr. Richard.”
“You told mother?” he inquired politely.
“Yes, Walter. Now run along, please.”
“An’ I don’t get my little whack out o’ this?”
“I’m afraid there’s nothing to whack, Walter.”
“Aw-ri’,” he stumbled off. “Aw-ri’.” And farther down the corridor he summoned up a deep voice, the one he used to have, in a thunderous “Aw-ri’!”
Mrs. Wells had been too wide awake to stay in her room. It was only midnight. Walter could be looked after later. She arranged herself in a more comfortable attire, donned an easier pair of shoes and wandered to the upper deck.