‘Johnstone spoke of cashing a cheque at Tristan,’ said Bates, with a grin, which vanished in an earnest look. ‘I shall get home, I hope, and if I can be of the least use——’
‘Oh, thank ye, Bates; thank ye,’ interrupted Tom. ‘We’re bound to go to civilisation to get married, you know, and there’ll be Miss Johnstone’s opportunity for making the arrangements she may think proper.’
The mate gravely bowed his head.
‘Marian, get to your cabin, dearest, and rest,’ said Tom.
He rose, and I rose instantly with him. He took me by the hand, and we entered the berth he had bid me use. He tossed the bedding out of the bunk, leaving the mattress, which was new and clean.
‘Sleep, dear one,’ said he. ‘God knows you need it.’
I was about to speak. He checked me, and said that rest was needful; that there was work to be done outside; that if he began to talk he’d keep me waking for hours, so full was his mind; then kissed and left me.