We wandered aft on to the poop, whence we could command a view of the whole ship; and here we stood looking at the clamorous, gallant scene round about us, till the sun sank low across the river beyond Rotherhithe, and the shadow of the evening deepened the colours of the streaming flags, and hung a rusty mist out upon the farther reaches of the river, making the ships there loom dusky and swollen.
Captain Butler asked us if we would drink tea with him at the Brunswick Hotel. I was now liking nothing better in the world than his company, and gladly accepted, and the three of us walked to the hotel and took a seat at a table in a window, where we had a view of the shipping; and here we drank tea and ate some small, sweet white-fish and passed a happy hour.
Captain Butler must have been less than a man, and without eyes in his head, if he had not by this time guessed that I was very much in love with him. I was sure he admired me; indeed, his admiration was unfeigned. I had never been loved by a man, and could not guess what was in the mind of this handsome sailor by merely observing the admiration that softened and sweetened the naturally gay and careless expression of his eyes, but it filled me with sweet delight to know that he admired me. This was a full, rich cup for my lips for a first draught. I liked to feel that he watched me. I’d turn my head a little way and talk to Will, and continue talking that Captain Butler might go on looking at me.
‘I wish you were not sailing so soon, cousin,’ said I. ‘I’d plan more of these excursions. They make me forget I have a stepfather.’
‘I hope your stepfather does not ill-treat you!’ exclaimed Captain Butler, and some glow came into his face.
‘No, no!’ cried I, and I guessed that my eyes sparkled with a sudden heat of my spirits. ‘Ill-treat me, indeed! The fact is the house isn’t big enough for him and me. But I won’t turn him out. He’s the father of my mother’s child, and my home was my mother’s. But oh, I feel the gloom of it! I am alone. I can’t take to the little one. And must it be year after year the same?’ I cast my eyes down and breathed quickly; then, rounding upon Will, I cried with a loud silly laugh, ‘You shall take me on a voyage with you when you come home!’
‘I like these excursions,’ said Will. ‘Don’t you, Captain Butler?’
‘I’d like them better if they didn’t end so soon,’ he answered.
‘I have a fortnight!’ exclaimed Will. ‘Let’s go on a trip every day!’
Captain Butler’s eyes met mine.