ed by an old black
coat, but when it is the exact shade of blue that matches your eyes,
when the lines of the skirt make you blush at your own grace, when the
trimmings are dreams, and the very linings a picture, then, oh, man! the
elation of it mounts to the feminine head like wine, and no mere male
can understand...

"I imagined until now that I was superior to such folly. I never cared
much about clothes, but then, as Grizel brutally explains, that was
because I never had none! Now I am as susceptible as the rest...

"All this chatter about clothes is simply to cover my embarrassment,
because I don't know what else to say!

"You must all have made very sure of me, to write to Captain Bedford as
you did! ... I had the kindest letter from him yesterday, promising
every help _en voyage_. I am to tip the steward to arrange that he has
a seat next to me at table from Aden onward. I shall have found my sea
legs by then, I suppose, and be able to turn up for meals. He--Captain
Bedford--isn't too well, I'm afraid, for he talks of feverish turns
which can't be good in his condition, but there seems no doubt of his
return. I shall cross-question him (artfully!) about you, and expect to
pick up some useful information. Don't expect me to write again before
sailing. I am too busy and--_shy_! and when I _do_ arrive, please
arrange to meet me first among a crowd of people, and look the other way
hard whenever I'm looking. I'm capable of coming home by the first boat
if I'm druv!

"Katrine."

"P.S.--I have no money; not a cent. `My face is my fortune,' plus a
pearl necklet, and a loving heart! The situation is so unusual that I
think I am justified in being personal and inquisitive. Here's an
examination paper for you on certain burning points. You will have time
to post answers to Port Said, and if unsatisfactory I can always drown
myself, or--turn back!

"Question I.

"Do your ears stick out?"

"_NB_.--This is important. Prevarication forbidden.

"Question II.

"When annoyed do you rage or sulk?

"Question III.

"Have you tiresome little ways? If so, how many? Clearly define their
nature, and specify in particular whether you fidget, scatter tobacco,
sneeze loudly, scrape your plate, argue, frown over bills, repeat
yourself in conversation...

"Question IV.

"What sort of tobacco do you smoke, and how much? I don't smoke at all.
Too Cranford! Are you pleased or sorry?

"Question V.

"Wha