And so to come to my own case, which is where
this talk started, I desire with all respect, master, that you will
first ease my mind of this question--be I in love, or bain't I?"
"Surely, man, _you_ must know that?"
Billy shook his head. "I've what you might call a feeling t'wards
the woman: and yet not rightly what you might call a feeling, nor yet
azactly, as you might say, t'wards her. And it can't be so strong as
I reckoned, for when she spoke the word 'marriage' you might ha'
knocked me down with a straw."
"Eh?" put in Mr. Fett, "was she the first to mention it?"
"Me bein' a trifle absent-minded, maybe, on that point," explained
Billy. His gaze happening to wander to the wheel, encountered
Captain Jo Pomery's; and Captain Jo, who had been listening, nodded
encouragement.
"Speakin' as a seafarin' man and the husband o' three at one time and
another," said he, "they always do so."
"My Artemisia," said Mr. Badcock, "was no exception; though a
powerful woman and well able to look after herself."
"'Tis their privilege," agreed Captain Pomery. "You must allow 'em a
few.
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