I am going to read with the Countess." Barker was nearly "taken off his feet." "Why--" he began, but stopped short.

"Oh, very well.

She is on deck.

I saw the Duke bring up her rugs and things." His heavy moustache seemed to uncurl itself nervously, and his jaw dropped slowly, as he watched Claudius leave the deck-cabin.
"I wonder when they got a chance," he said to himself.
But Barker was not nearly so much astonished as the Duke.

The latter was sitting by Margaret's side, near the wheel, making conversation.