Presently Arthur Dean came to the private deck to ask if Larssen had any orders for him. He was acting as interim private secretary.
The shipowner dictated a few messages to be sent by wireless, and then remarked:
"When you're back in London, I suppose you'll be going to see your young lady as well as your parents?"
Dean blushed.
"Taking her back any presents?"
"Yes, sir."
"A ring?"
"Not yet, sir."
"Well, I don't doubt that'll come in its own good time."
"You don't think I ought to——?" began Dean tentatively.