But from the first of the picturetaking, Stevens had excused himself on the strength of working his reckoning, and I didn’t see him till supper time.
We three, however, got along famously, and, when supper did come, we fell to like so many children in a heartiness which even Stevens’ sour looks couldn’t check.
Supper done, the table was cleared, and we played fan-tan till four bells.
“Early hours aboard this packet!” cried Stroth boyishly. “And ten o’clock’s a good bedtime. Off and away with you now, girlie.”
She kissed him on the cheek, and bade us each a happy good night. I still believe mine was the best. There was a certain hesitancy about it that I relished immensely.
Stroth turned to me as soon as she had left us.
“Saki will show you your stateroom, Grey. I’ve even managed to drum up a change or two of clothes, which may be a bit overlarge for you, but——”
“But, under circumstances which brought me aboard your——”
I certainly had taken a wrong tack, for he cried out sharply:
“A pleasure trip to Savannah, remember!”