"I know her," Helen said.
"She's the oldest child on the ship, and she wants you to sign her adult petition so she can be in the Festival, Father."
"She's so young...."
"Sixteen, Father."
"After all, one must have done some duty," the captain said.
"He wants you to sign it so he can take her in the Changing of the Wives," Jane said.
Nestir fidgeted uncomfortably. "Well, I'll look at her record," he said.
"It's an idea," the second mate said. "Otherwise, we'll be short one woman."
"There wouldn't be one short if he had brought a wife," the first mate's wife said, looking squarely at the captain.
"Now, Martha. I place duty above pleasure. You're just angry, y'know, because you have to stay with your husband."