It was, in fact, a room on a house boat, and the house boat was at anchor at a place where the wind and waves seldom troubled it; where only the tides brought motion to it, at intervals.
“It is three days now since you took me away from my home in the city,� Lynne was saying. “May I venture to inquire, madam, how long a time it is your purpose to keep me a prisoner here?�
She raised her eyes from the embroidery and smiled at him; but she saw that he gazed into them quite calmly, and with no suggestion of emotion. Plainly she had affected him but little thus far.
“Have you been made uncomfortable?� she asked, in reply.
“No; quite the contrary. You have done everything for my comfort. I cannot deny that.�
“Don’t you think that the fresh air here will be beneficial to you?�
“Without doubt; but one would prefer to have it without coercion, eh?�
“You are not coerced, Mr. Lynne.�
“I am detained here against my will.�