"There is no doubt," said I, "that you, as master of this vessel, are, as you have all along contended, empowered to marry me to Miss Bellassys," and I then gave him the substance of what Mr. Higginson had said to me below.
"I knew that Higginson would see it after thinking a bit," said he. "Of course, I am empowered to marry, on board my ship, any couple that may apply to me. Have you spoken to Miss Bellassys?"
"I have."
"And is she agreeable?"
"Perfectly agreeable."
"Good!" said he with a chuckle. "Now, when shall it be?"
"Oh, it is for you to say, captain."
"Ten o'clock to-morrow morning do?"
"Very well, indeed," I answered, "but it will be quite private, Captain Parsons; it is Miss Bellassys's wish."
"Private? Why private?" he exclaimed, in a voice of disappointment; "a wedding is an interesting sight, and I intended to admit the steerage passengers. I had also seen my way to converting our usual lunch into a sort of wedding breakfast for you, and indeed I don't mind telling you, Mr. Barclay, that I've been amusing myself during the last half-hour in rehearsing several speeches."