It was
very marked once one had become aware of it. Before, one felt only a
pronounced strangeness. Not that the captain--Powell was careful to
explain--didn't see things as a ship-master should. The proof of it was
that on that very occasion he desired him suddenly after a period of
silent pacing, to have all the staysails sheets eased off, and he was
going on with some other remarks on the subject of these staysails when
Mrs. Anthony followed by her father emerged from the companion. She
established herself in her chair to leeward of the skylight as usual.
Thereupon the captain cut short whatever he was going to say, and in a
little while went down below.
I asked Mr. Powell whether the captain and his wife never conversed on
deck. He said no--or at any rate they never exchanged more than a couple
of words. There was some constraint between them. For instance, on that
very occasion, when Mrs. Anthony came out they did look at each other;
the captain's eyes indeed followed her till she sat down; but he did not
speak to her; he did not approach her; and afterwards left the deck
without turning his head her way after this first silent exchange of
glances.
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