We had our plans arranged for the cruise and, if possible, I did not wish to change them, although if she insisted upon being taken to the United States, I would have to about-ship, and head in the other direction.
Then, again, I naturally wanted to be alone; so much had happened that bordered on the marvelous I wished to ponder it over and endeavor to see a rosy light beyond the gloomy clouds.
I had suffered keenly in the midst of splendor and wealth—God alone knew how hungry my heart had been for the companionship I once had known; and now, as if Heaven sent, she had once more risen upon my horizon; I had touched her hand, aye, crushed her in my arms, fought like a warrior to defend her against enemies, and I wanted to be alone in order to dream of this wonderful thing that almost intoxicated me with its possibilities of greatest bliss.
Finally Diana took the hint, and declared I had not overcome some of my old-time bearish ways, for I had become dull and stupid.
One could take anything from this bright butterfly with the gilded wings, and I only pleaded extreme exhaustion in extenuation of my shortcomings.
So they left me.
I often look back to that night and remember how they went away laughing, with their arms around each other; for even the lordly Gustavus was very fond of his lively, handsome wife, though both had been sad flirts in their day.
They had been married much longer than a year, but being constantly on the go, like the busy bee, sipping honey from each flower as they went, they declared they were still on their bridal tour and enjoying their honeymoon.
Yes, I often think of them as I saw them that night, happy as children, knowing no harassing care, content to accept the bountiful favors an indulgent fortune threw in their way, and perfectly unconscious of any impending peril.
When I had talked a while with Cummings, and told him about my wishes respecting our course, and what I intended doing for my old friend and shipmate of the Pathfinder, I took a few turns on the deck.