“I have got accustomed to it,” she said. “One has to live somehow. It is not so bad as being in service or working in a laundry.”
He nodded his head approvingly, as if to commend her for this also.
“Were you born in these parts?” said he.
She shook her head.
“Do you come from far away?” he continued.
She nodded.
“Where from?”
She paused, as if to remember.
“I am from Perpignan,” said she.
“Yes, yes,” said he and ceased questioning her.
“And what are you—a sailor?” asked the woman in her turn.
“Yes, we are sailors.”
“And have you been on long voyages?”
“Yes, long enough! We have seen places of all sorts.”
“Have you been round the world?”
“Oh yes,” said he, “not once only—we have been nearly twice round.”
She again paused, as if remembering something.
“I suppose you have met many ships?” said she.
“Of course we have.”