Everybody was off the train now, and many people were already on the boat. Micky remembered that he had no ticket; he entered into a hot argument with an official, who listened to him skeptically, and took as long as possible to make out the ticket; even when Micky had paid he still looked suspicious.
The gangway was still down; Micky went on board and stood as close to it as he could, scanning the face of each passer.
Esther was not amongst them.
“Stand away there––stand away....”
Micky was pushed aside, and a couple of brawny seamen hauled the gangway on to the harbour. The gap of green water was widening slowly between the pier and the ship’s side. Micky felt as if he were being exiled. Supposing she was not on the boat?
He turned away and searched the crowded deck. The boat was full, and most of the people were women, 228 but there was nobody who looked in the very least like Esther.
She would be wearing the fur coat, he was sure––the coat he had given her!
One or two people stared at him curiously. Once he came across Marie and her father on the leeward side of the boat. For decency’s sake he had to stop. He made an inane remark on the weather and said he thought they were going to have a smooth crossing.
Marie’s brown eyes lifted to his.
“You haven’t met your friend?” she said quietly.