About this story
A veiled fellow passenger draws whispers from the first hour at the rail, and George's visits to you grow shorter and stranger as the crossing continues. On the last morning he brings you the truth: her name is Lisa Arpent, and he means to marry her, whatever the whispers were about.
How it opens
The last shore bell rang while flags and handkerchiefs trembled above the Hoboken pier.
For thirty years Europe had been your private horizon; now the liner eased toward open water.
Our chairs are under cover, Mother, and I checked the cabin twice myself.
Stand here a moment, George; I want us to see America recede together.
I would rather watch what you have waited so long to approach.
Choose
We will discover Europe without scheduling every delight.
Let us promise that neither of us will sacrifice the trip for the other.