Jennifer clutched his arm. "Listen!"
He heard the grate of a key in the lock. He and the girl looked at each other in consternation.
"Quick," said Norman, struck by an inspiration. He embraced Jennifer clumsily. "Put your arms around me! Hurry! Now kiss me!"
Bewildered but obedient, she held up her lips. Norman kissed her. He held it until a discreet cough behind them caused them to spring apart guiltily.
Mr. Vermeer was regarding them from the open door, his black eyes sardonic. "Sorry to interrupt," he said, "but you've got the wrong cabin."
"I know it," said Jennifer in confusion. "My stateroom's next door. Silly mistake, isn't it?"
"Sorry, Vermeer," apologized Norman hastily. "Come on, Jennifer." He led the girl into the corridor. Vermeer closed and locked the door after them.
Jennifer unlocked her cabin, said, "Come in."
Norman limply followed her inside, collapsed on a chair.
"You were wonderful," she cried. "I never would have thought of that. It explained everything, even our confusion."