Curiosity had got the better of Kirke's sister, and she had come to
Aldborough for the express purpose of seeing Miss Bygrave.
Something in the shape of the lady's face, something in the expression
of her dark eyes, reminded Magdalen of the merchant-captain whose
uncontrolled admiration had annoyed her on the previous evening. She
instantly returned the stranger's scrutiny by a frowning, ungracious
look. The lady colored, paid the look back with interest, and slowly
walked on.
"A hard, bold, bad girl," thought Kirke's sister. "What could Robert be
thinking of to admire her? I am almost glad he is gone. I hope and trust
he will never set eyes on Miss Bygrave again."
"What boors the people are here!" said Magdalen to Captain Wragge. "That
woman was even ruder than the man last night. She is like him in the
face. I wonder who she is?"
"I'll find out directly," said the captain. "We can't be too cautious
about strangers." He at once appealed to his friends, the boatmen.
They were close at hand, and Magdalen heard the questions and answers
plainly.
"How are you all this morning?" said Captain Wragge, in his easy jocular
way. "And how's the wind? Nor'-west and by west, is it? Very good.
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