He meant to beat a retreat to his cabin.

But Margaret was determined to call him to account for having given her such a fright.
"Dr.Claudius," said the voice that he loved and feared.
"Yes, Countess," said he, steadying himself by the door as the vessel lurched.
"Will you please come here?
I want to speak to you." He moved to her side, waiting his chance between two seas.

"Do you think you have a right to risk your life in such follies ?" she asked, when he was close to her.

The Duke and Lady Victoria were near by.
"I do not think I have risked my life, Countess.

I have often done it before." "Do you think, then, that you have a right to do such things in the sight of nervous women ?" "No, Countess, I pretend to no such brutality, and I am very sincerely sorry that you should have unexpectedly seen me.