She rang.
Thomas replied so promptly that he could not have been farther off than the companionway.

"You rang, miss ?" "Yes, Webb.

Please fill this carafe." "Is it possible that it was empty, miss ?" "I used it and forgot to ring for more." All this in the dark.
Thomas hurried away, wishing he could find some magic spring on board.
For what purpose he could not have told.
As for Kitty, she remained standing by the door, profoundly astonished..