“Was there anything unusual about this yacht, apart from its larger size?”

“Well, it had the best equipment Paul could find, and it was designed to be sailed singlehanded.”

“By singlehanded, do you mean by one person alone?”

“Yes. When we were aboard together, Paul did all the sailing, and I did all the domestic chores—cooking and so forth.”

“When the new yacht was delivered, did you and Paul decide to sail it to Europe?”

“Yes; in fact, that was Paul’s intention when he ordered the boat.”

“Please tell us about the trip.”

Allison outlined their route across the Atlantic and their stops in various ports in England, France, Spain, and in the Mediterranean, finishing her account with a description of their departure from the Canary Islands for Antigua.

“Before you left the United States, how would you describe your relationship with your husband?”

“We were extremely happy—euphoric, really. You know how newlyweds are.” She said this directly to a juror, who blushed.

“And when you began your voyage across the Atlantic, did your relationship change?”

“Only in that we became closer. When you spend a lot of time with a person on a boat, you really get to know him.”

“Did this constant proximity wear on your marriage?”

“On the contrary, I think it made our marriage stronger.”

“You are aware that not all couples do as well at sea.”

She smiled. “Oh, yes; we met a number of couples in our travels who were sick of each other. On the other hand, we met a lot more who enjoyed being alone together on a boat.”

“You were nearly fifteen years younger than your husband, Mrs. Manning; did that become a problem in your marriage?”

“Never at any time. We were both very comfortable with the age difference.”

“When you sailed from the Canaries for Antigua, was your marriage still a good one?”

“I would say that it was better than ever. We talked about that, and Paul felt the same way. We both felt very grateful for each other.”

“Take us back, now, Mrs. Manning, to your departure from the Canaries, and tell us, with as much detail as you can, what happened in the days after that.”