e friends who had accompanied
them to take leave. I discovered, however, to my satisfaction that our
party in the cabin would not be a large one. The West Indians who had
come over for the Colonial Exhibition were most of them already gone.
They, along with the rest, had taken back with them a consciousness that
their visit had not been wholly in vain, and that the interest of the
old country in her distant possessions seemed quickening into life once
more. The commissioners from all our dependencies had been feted in the
great towns, and the people had come to Kensington in millions to admire
the productions which bore witness to the boundless resources of British
territory. Had it been only a passing emotion of wonder and pride, or
was it a prelude to a more energetic policy and active resolution?
Anyway it was something to be glad of. Receptions and public dinners and
loyal speeches will not solve political problems, but they create the
feeling of good will which underlies the useful consideration of them.
The Exhibition had served the purpose which it was intended for. The
conference of delegates grew out of it which has discussed in the
happiest temper the elements of our future relations.

But the Exhibition doors were now closed, and the multitude of admirers
or contributors were dispersed or dispersing to their homes. In the
'Moselle' we had only the latest lingerers or the ordinary passengers
who went to and fro on business or pleasure. I observed them with the
curiosity with which one studies persons with whom one is to be shut up
for weeks in involuntary intimacy. One young Demerara planter attracted
my notice, as he had with him a newly married and beautiful wife whose
fresh complexion would so soon fade, as it always does in those lands
where nature is brilliant with colour and English cheeks grow pale. I
found also to my surprise and pleasure a daughter of one of my oldest
and dearest friends, who was going out to join her husband in Trinidad.
This was a happy accident to start with. An announcement printed in
Spanish in large letters in a conspicuous position intimated that I must
be prepared for habits in some of our companions of a less agreeable
kind.

'Se suplica a los senores pasajeros de no escupir sobre la cubierta de
popa.'

I may as well leave the words untranslated, but the 'supplication' is
not unnecessary. The Spanish colonists, like their countrymen at home,
smoke everywhere with the usual