He stared, his eyes glassy and pale, almost startled.
"Hello, ole girl," he stammered. "G--g--good of you to mm--mm--meet me."
He stood awkwardly, undecided, the others edging round him.
"Louis, you'll never guess how awful it's been without you! I know what
you meant, now, about not being able to do without each other--Uncle
gave me the money--let's get away and talk--" The words all tumbled out
breathlessly.
He gazed at her again, as though he scarcely knew her.
"These chaps have been awfully good to me," he said thickly. "We
must--must--s-say good-bye. They s-sail for New Zealand
this--safternoon."
"That's good. Then say good-bye now, and come away. We've a lot to do."
He stared moodily.
"Look here, where's my baggage? Did you g-get it th-through the Customs
for me?"
She explained about it, and said that he must go aboard for it when the
Oriana came alongside during the afternoon.
"Right-o, then. I'll say good-bye. Wait a minute."
He went down the platform and stood talking to the others for a few
minutes. They looked towards her and laughed several times, and at last
trooped off together.
"I think a wash is indicated, don't you?" he said, looking at himself.
"Lord, don't I want a drink! And don't I just want to be alone with you
a few minutes! What shall we do? Did you book rooms?"
"No.
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