“The old man on my right is deaf,” he said.
“Not so deaf, I hope, that you won't hear me explain that I had no more notion of your being on this ship than of Sappho being here!”
“You refer to--the Greek Sappho, Mr. Payne?”
“Assuredly. You told me--'fore Heaven, why are women so inconsistent?--you told me you were going anywhere rather than to America--that you were at the beginning of your journeyings--that you had an engagement with some Mahatmas on the top of the Himal--”
“And you--you were going to South Africa.”
“Well, I couldn't go about another day. No matter whether I was consistent or inconsistent! I was worn out and ill. I've been seeing too much--”
“You told me you could never see enough!”
“Well, never mind all that. I acted impulsively, I confess. My aunt was shocked. She thought I was ungrateful--particularly when I openly rejoiced that she was not able to find a chaperon for me.”
“It's none of my business, anyway. I was stupid to show my surprise. I ought never to be surprised at anything you do, I know that. As for me, I'm tired of imitating the Wandering Jew. Besides, my father's old partner--mine he is now, I suppose, though I can't get used to that idea--wants me to come home. He says I'm needed. So I'm rolling up my sleeves, figuratively speaking. But I should certainly have delayed my journey if I had guessed you were to be on this boat.”
“It's very annoying altogether,” she said, with open vexation. “It looks so silly! What will my aunt say?”
“I don't think she'll say anything. You are on an Atlantic liner, with nine hundred and ninety-nine souls who are nothing to you, and one who is less than nothing. I believe that was the expression you used the other day--less than nothing?”
“I'm not so strong,” she murmured. “It's true that I am worn out, and my voyage has done nothing so far towards restoring me. On the contrary, I have been suffering. I fainted again and again yesterday, and it took a great deal of courage for me to venture out to-day. So you must be merciful for a little while. Your enemy is down, you see.”
“My enemy!” He gave the words an accent at once bitter and humorous. “I'll not say another personal word,” he murmured, contritely. “Tell me if you feel faint at any moment, and let me help you. Please treat me as if I were your--your uncle!”