And with that I went off and left them alone, for I thought I might not be wanted there; and I knew very well I was wanted elsewhere, for Tom Mackenzie, the second Officer, was making signs for me to come on deck.
After that I saw her a good deal, for we were often together, especially when she came down once or twice and found Will the worse for liquor. The first time she was in a regular fury about it, and though she didn't say much, she looked like a woman who could do anything desperate, or even worse than that. But the next time she took it more coolly.
"Well, Tom," she said, "he was to take me to the theater, but now he can't go. What am I to do?"
"I don't know," said I, foolishly enough, as it seemed, but then I didn't want to take the hint, which I understood well enough.
"Hum!" she said sharply, looking at me straight. I believe I blushed a little at being bowled out, for I was I knew that. However, when she had made up her mind, she was not a woman to be baulked.
"Then I know, Tom, if you don't," she said; "you must take me yourself. I have the tickets. So get ready."
"But, Helen!" I said, for I really didn't like to go off with her in that way without Will's knowing.
Her eyes sparkled, and she stamped her foot.
"I insist on it! So get ready, or I'll go by myself. And how would Will like that?"
There was no good resisting her, she was too sharp for me, and I went like a lamb, doing just as she ordered me, for she was a masterful woman and accustomed to have her own way. If I did wrong I was punished for it afterward, for this was the beginning of a kind of flirtation which I swear was always innocent enough on my side, and would have been on hers too, if Will had not been a coward with the drink.