"But he was long. It appears, from what I have since learnt, that the London train was behind its time, and it was a question of missing the tide in the Scheldt. Anyhow, there was a great deal of hurry and scurry, and, as I was wondering what had become of Conrad, someone shouted, 'All on board!' In my agitation I lost my presence of mind. And at that moment I saw Conrad running along the quay in the direction of the boat for Rotterdam. I suppose that, owing to his shortsightedness, and his haste, and the darkness, he mistook one boat for the other. I was tongue-tied in my bewilderment. Before I recovered myself we were moving down the river, and the quay was out of sight. You may imagine my sensations, without tickets, almost without money, a bride without a bridegroom! I asked for the captain. I was told that he was navigating the ship, but I could see him later on. I saw him later on. He came when we had reached the open sea. As he advanced I thought I knew his figure. I felt as though my legs were giving way beneath me--it was Mr. Pearson! The recognition was mutual.
"'Jennie!' he cried. 'Miss Nash!' He looked as though he were dumbfounded. 'This is an unexpected pleasure!'
"'I--I wish to see the captain.'
"'I am the captain. You wish to see me? Come this way!'
"He led the way into his cabin. I followed, speechless. Events were crowding on me, for which I was wholly unprepared.
"'Mrs. Nash is with you?'
"'No, not--my mother. I--I am with my husband.'
"'Your husband!' He gave a start of surprise. 'Oh, indeed, your husband.'
"You know what a big man he is, and his huge beard? I declare that, as he stood and glared at me, I felt positively frightened.
"'That is to say, he was with me, but he has been left behind.'