I had wrapped the coat about her shoulders and fastened the upper button.
“Now sit down on the deck here,” I ordered. “Here, by my feet. You will be below the rail there and out of the wind.”
To my surprise she obeyed orders, this time without even a protest. I smiled grimly. To see her obey suited my humor. It served her right. I enjoyed ordering her about as if I were mate of an old-time clipper and she a foremast hand. She had insulted me once too often and she should pay for it. Out here social position and wealth and family pride counted for nothing. Here I was absolute master of the situation and she knew it. All her life she would remember it, the humiliation of being absolutely dependent upon me for life and safety and warmth. I looked down at her crouching at my feet, and then away over the black water. The Comfort climbed wave after wave.
“Mr. Paine.”
The tone was very low but I heard it.
I came out of my waking dream—it was not a pleasant one—and answered.
“Yes?” I said.
“Where are we?”
“We are making fair progress, everything considered. Are you warmer now?”
“Yes—thank you.”