My mind became occupied again with the Intermediate Passenger and the
portrait that he wore at his neck. I almost laughed to think of the
melodramatic turn which my first conversation with this woman might
chance to take. I felt that I was dealing with one who was able to meet
cleverly any advance of mine, but I determined to lead the talk into as
deep waters as possible.
"I suppose, too, you are a good practical sailor--that is, you understand
seamanship, if you have travelled much?" I do not know why I said that,
for it sounded foolish to me afterwards.
"Pretty well," she replied. "I can manage a sail; I know the argot, I
could tell the shrouds from the bulwarks, and I've rowed a boat in a
choppy sea."
"It is not an accomplishment usual to your sex."
"It was ordinary enough where I spent the early part of my life," was the
idle reply; and she settled herself more comfortably in her chair.
"Yes? May I ask where that was?" and as I said this, it occurred to me
that she was, perhaps, leading me on, instead of my leading her; to
betray me as to anything I knew about her.
"In the South Seas," she replied.
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