Oh, it had been "_Canada, land of my love_" in the deepest sense--and
now!
I went on to the boat; crossed the trestle. At the sound of my
footstep on the deck, the woman put her head up the companionway.
"Who 's there?"
"Some one who wishes to speak with you alone; I was here the other day."
"I know your voice, but I don't know your name. You can talk; my
husband is, at present, yonder in the cabaret; he will be in by
half-past ten. We sail to-night if the wind holds good."
"To-night?"
"Yes; and what is that to you?" she asked suspiciously.
"May I come into the cabin?"
"But, yes. Come."
I sat down on the stool she placed for me. I was tired with the long
walk.
"I have been called away from here, where I have been at service--"
"You--at service?" she asked in surprise.
"Yes; and I am going away to find another place. Will you take me with
you in the boat? May I go with you to your home, wherever it is?"