She's right.

I've thought it all over.

Three days before they sail we'll go down to Naples and hear the last word, and whatever it is we'll see them off on the 'Princess Irene.' Then you and I'll come north and sail by the first boat from Cherbourg.
"I--I ?" I stammered.
"Yes," he said.

"I'm going to make the aged parent shout with unmanly glee.

I'm going to ask him to take me on as a hand.