I wanted the affair all settled up and straightened out before this, my maiden voyage, in command of a ship of my own.

For me it is a great event, a great step forward.

And, perhaps I'm over-superstitious--most men of my trade are supposed to be touched that way--but I admit I rather cling to the notion of this private peace-making, this straightening out of an ancient crookedness, as a thing of good augury, a favourable omen.

As such--let alone other reasons"-- and he looked down at Damaris with a fine and delicate admiration--"I desired it and, out of my heart, I prize it .-- Do you see ?" "Yes--indeed a thing of good augury"-- she affirmed.
Yet in speaking her lips shook.

For, in truth, poor child, she was hard-pressed.