of the tables, beneath the swinging lamps and the racks of tumblers, decanters and wine-glasses, we sat down to whist, Mrs. Peck, among others, taking a hand in the game. She played very badly and talked too much, and when the rubber was over assuaged her discomfiture (though not minewe had been partners) with a Welsh rabbit and a tumbler of something hot. We had done with the cards, but while she waited for this refreshment she sat with her elbows on the table shuffling a pack.
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She hasn't spoken to me yetshe won't do it, she remarked in a moment.
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Is it possible there is any one on the ship who hasn't spoken to you?
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Not that girlshe knows too well! Mrs. Peck looked round our little circle with a smile of intelligenceshe had familiar, communicative eyes. Several of our company had assembled, according to the wont, the last thing in the evening, of those who are cheerful at sea, for the consumption of grilled sardines and devilled bones.
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Oh, she knows that I know.
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Well, we know what Mrs. Peck knows, one of the ladies of the group observed to me, with an air of privilege.
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Well, you wouldn't know if I hadn't told youfrom the way she acts, said Mrs. Peck, with a small laugh.
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She is going out to a gentleman who lives over therehe's waiting there to marry her, the other lady went on, in the tone of authentic information. I remember that her name was Mrs. Gotch and that her mouth looked always as if she were whistling.
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Oh, he knowsI've told him, said Mrs. Peck.
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Well, I presume every one knows, Mrs. Gotch reflected.
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Dear madam, is it every one's business? I asked.
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Why, don't you think it's a peculiar way to act? Mrs. Gotch was evidently surprised at my little protest.
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Why, it's right therestraight in front of you, like a play at the theatreas if you had paid to see it, said Mrs. Peck. If you don't call it public!
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Aren't you mixing things up? What do you call public?
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Why, the way they go on. They are up there now.
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