But the situation was relieved in a most unexpected fashion.

Thaddeus Winslow, first mate on the clipper ship, "Owner's Favorite," at home from a voyage to the Dutch East Indies, fell in love with Miss Floretta, proposed, was accepted and married her.
It was an odd match: Floretta, pale, polite, impractical and intensely romantic; Thad, florid, rough and to the point.

Yet the married pair seemed to be happy together.

Winslow went to sea on several voyages and, four years after the marriage, remained at home for what, for him, was a long time.

During that time a child, a boy, was born.
The story of the christening of that child is one of Orham's pet yarns even to this day.