She did not like to speak to him, as she feared he would think it necessary to lay aside his book and entertain her; she had no wish to trouble him, and beside, she was quite capable of entertaining herself.
So after she had sat still for a long while, she decided to walk about the cabin a bit, always keeping in sight of Cousin Tom, if he should raise his eyes.

But he didn't, and Patty strayed farther and farther away from him, until she had explored all the available parts of the boat.
She was much interested in all she saw, and many admiring eyes followed the pretty, graceful child as she walked about.
When she reached the dining-room she looked in, and the sight of the passengers sitting at well-filled tables made her feel very hungry, and she wondered if Cousin Tom would finish his book in time to give her any dinner.

Somehow she felt sure he never would look up until he _had_ finished the book.
She went back and sat down again beside him with a little sigh.

But he didn't hear the little sigh, and kept on reading.
Patty looked at him curiously.

There was little hope of his finishing the book, for he was only about half-way through it, and he read very slowly, turning the pages at long intervals.