In return I considered her. 'I will tell you before we land. And have
you seen much of your son?'
'Oh yes, he has come in several times. He seems very much pleased. He
has got a cabin to himself.'
'That's great luck,' I said, 'but I have an idea he is always in luck. I
was sure I should have to offer him the second berth in my room.'
'And you wouldn't have enjoyed that, because you don't like him,' Mrs.
Nettlepoint took upon herself to say.
'What put that into your head?'
'It isn't in my head--it's in my heart, my _coeur de mere_. We guess
those things. You think he's selfish--I could see it last night.'
'Dear lady,' I said, 'I have no general ideas about him at all. He is
just one of the phenomena I am going to observe. He seems to me a very
fine young man. However,' I added, 'since you have mentioned last night
I will admit that I thought he rather tantalised you. He played with
your suspense.'
'Why, he came at the last just to please me,' said Mrs. Nettlepoint.