During the meal, toward the end of it, one of the crew entered. He was
young--in the early twenties. The manner in which he saluted convinced
Dennison that the fellow had recently been in the United States Navy.
"Mr. Cunningham's compliments, sir. Canvas has been rigged on the port
promenade and chairs and rugs set out."
Another salute and he was off.
"Well, that's decent enough," was Dennison's comment. "That chap has been
in the Navy. It's all miles over my head, I'll confess. Cunningham spoke
of a joke when I accosted him in the chart house last night."
"You went up there?" cried Jane.
"Yes. And among other things he said that every man is entitled to at
least one good joke. What the devil can he mean by that?"
Had he been looking at his father Dennison would have caught a fleeting,
grim, shadowy smile on the strong mouth.
"You will find a dozen new novels on the shelves, Miss Norman," said
Cleigh as he rose. "I'll be on deck. I generally walk two or three miles
in the morning. Let us hang together this day to test the scalawag's
promise."
"Mr. Cleigh, when you spoke of reparation last night, you weren't thinking
in monetary terms, were you?"
Cleigh's brows lowered a trifle, but it was the effect of puzzlement.
"Because," she proceeded, gravely, "all the money you possess would not
compensate me for the position you have placed me in."
"Well, perhaps I did have money in mind. However, I hold to my word.
Anything you may ask."
"Some day I will ask you for something."
"And if humanly possible I promise to give it," and with this Cleigh took
leave.
Jane turned to Dennison.
"It is so strange and incomprehensible! You two sitting here and ignoring
each other! Surely you don't hate your father?"
"I have the greatest respect and admiration for him. To you no doubt it
seems fantastic; but we understand each other thoroughly, my father and I.
I'd take his hand instantly, God knows, if he offered it! But if I offered
mine it would be glass against diamond--I'd only get badly scratched.
Suppose we go on deck? The air and the sunshine----"
"But this catastrophe has brought you together after all these years.
Isn't there something providential in that?"
"Who can say?"
On deck they fell in behind Cleigh, and followed him round for fully an
hour; then Jane signified that she was tired, and Dennison put her in the
centre chair and wrapped the rug about her. He selected the chair at her
right.