“Good-bye!” said Drexel sharply.
The captain bowed and stumbled out. When Drexel turned the young woman was breathing rapidly and her face spoke many sensations—relief, excitement, gratitude, perhaps a glint of admiration.
She gave him that direct gaze of hers and held out her hand. “Thank you—very much,” she said simply, in English.
“I’m afraid I was rather melodramatic,” returned Drexel, somewhat lamely.
“You could not have done it better. Thank you.”
“John, dear,” she said in purest English, “that bothersome passport must have been packed among your things”
They sat down and for a moment looked at each other in silence. Her breath still came sharply. He was eager to know the meaning of all this; he was sure she would explain; but he said nothing, leaving it to her to speak or keep silent, as she would.
She saw his curiosity. “You are surprised?”
“I confess it.”