Part 8 (1/2)

There was no response.

”_George!_” cried both ladies together.

Still no response, and they made a louder effort.

There was yet another George on board, in the fo'c'sle, and, in response to pushes from curious friends below, he came up, and regarded the fair duettists open-mouthed.

”What d'yer want?” he said, at length sheepishly.

”Will you tell Captain Bunnett that his wife, Mrs. Bunnett, is here?”

said that lady, a thin, little woman with bright black eyes.

”Yes, mum,” said the seaman, and was hurrying off when Mrs. Fillson called him back.

”Will you tell Mr. Fillson that his wife, Mrs. Fillson, is up here?” she said politely.

”All right, mum,” said the other, and went be-low to communicate the pleasing tidings. Both husbands came up on deck hastily, and a glance served to show them how their wives stood.

”How do you do, Cap'n Bunnett,” said Mrs. Fillson, with a fascinating smile.

”Good-morning, marm,” said the skipper, trying to avoid his wife's eyes; ”that's my wife, Mrs. Bunnett.”

”Good-morning, ma'am,” said Mrs. Fillson, adjusting the new bonnet with the tips of her fingers.

”Good-morning to you,” said Mrs. Bunnett in a cold voice, but patronising. ”You have come to bring your husband some of his things, I suppose?”

”She's coming with us,” said the skipper, in a hurry to have it over.

”Wait half a moment, and I'll help you down.”

He got up on to the side and helped them both to the deck, and, with a great attempt at cheery conversation, led the way below, where, in the midst of an impressive silence, he explained that the ladies would have to share the state-room between them.

”That's the only way out of it,” said the mate, after waiting in vain for them to say something.

”It's a fairish size when you come to look at it,” said the skipper, putting his head on one side to see whether the bunk looked larger that way.

”Pack three in there at a pinch,” said the mate hardily.

Still the ladies said nothing, but there was a storm-signal hoisted in Mrs. Bunnett's cheek, which boded no good to her husband. There was room only for one trunk in the state-room, and by prompt generals.h.i.+p Mrs.

Fillson got hers in first. Having seen it safe she went up on deck for a look round.

”George,” said Mrs. Bunnett fiercely, as soon as they were alone.

”Yes, my dear,” said her husband.

”Pack that woman off home,” said Mrs. Bunnett sharply.

”I couldn't do that,” said the skipper firmly. ”It's your own fault; you should have said you was coming.”

”Oh, I know you didn't want me to come,” said Mrs. Bunnett, the roses on her bonnet trembling. ”The mate can think of a little pleasure for _his_ wife, but I can stay at home and do your mending and keep the house clean. Oh, I know; don't tell me.”