Upon arriving in her room, she found the “fair, fat, and forty” stewardess there with an armful of clean towels.
“You’ve come to bed, miss—that is, mem. I beg pardon, I’m sure. I didn’t know this afternoon as how you was the capting’s bride. I was took all aback. I don’t know when anything has upset me so.”
In disturbed surprise Nina fastened an earnest look on a spot on the door just over the woman’s head.
“Nobody thought as how he’d marry; but he’s just the one to up and do it and say nothin’. It not bein’ nobody’s business, and nobody could tell by his actions. He’s not one to care much about women. But as I said—I beg pardon, and it’ll not occur again.”
Nina was still unresponsive, and the woman, anxious to please her, rambled on. “I guess the whole ship’s as glad as I am. The boys would like to do somethin’.”
“I forbid it,” said Nina, hurriedly.
“All right, mem. We all see you’re somethin’ young and shy. I’m sure I wish you fortune, mem. You’ve drawed a prize in the lottery.”
“Does—does everybody know?” stammered Nina.
“Yes, mem,” said the woman, cheerfully. “That is, all the ship’s company. The passengers wouldn’t occupy themselves so much with it, but they’ll soon find out. You’ll get lots of attention, mem, bein’ the capting’s bride.”
“I don’t want it,” she said, quickly. “I—I think I am going to be seasick.”