It may be that he had a certain amount of reluctance to encounter Mrs.Edward Ruggles.
The roof of the second cabin deck-house was, when there was not too much wind, a favorite place with him.

It was not much frequented, as most of those who spent their time on deck apparently preferred a place nearer amidships.

He was sitting there on the morning of the fifth day out, looking idly over the sea, with an occasional glance at the people who were walking on the promenade-deck below, or leaning on the rail which bounded it.

He turned at a slight sound behind him, and rose with his hat in his hand.

The flush in his face, as he took the hand which was offered him, reflected the color in the face of the owner, but the grayish brown eyes, which he remembered so well, looked into his, a little curiously, perhaps, but frankly and kindly.