's approach.

"Well, doctor," said the cheerful voice of Pye, "have you had a good
look at our passengers?"

"Mr. Pye," said I, pleasantly enough, "I am a man of moods. And I have
lived long in silence and routine as no doubt you yourself also. I find
occupation even in my own thoughts."

"You are well equipped for the sea," he rejoined. "I'm not sure about
myself. You see, I'm a Londoner, and I shall miss those peopled spaces.
Here there's nothing but----" he waved his hand.

"At all events. I see you're a respectable sailor," I said, "which,
apparently, others are not." His silence seemed to inquire of me. "I
gave Mr. Morland a prescription for sea-sickness this afternoon."

"That would be for one of the ladies," he made answer; "he is evidently
firm on his legs, and--and his companion. I suppose I may tell you that
his companion is his sister," he said after a pause.

"Well, yes," I replied drily, for his precautions jarred on me. "For I
suppose we shall discover the mystery in the course of the next twelve
months."

"Mystery!" he repeated musingly. "I suppose I am by training somewhat
circumspect. It's difficult to get out of it. But there's no mystery.
Mr. and Miss Morland have brought a friend with them."

"If there's no mystery," I said, "the friend?"

"I have not heard her name," he replied, "or at least, if I have, I
have forgotten. It is a friend of Miss Morland's. I believe she is a
French lady."

The dusk had enclosed us, but through it I perceived some one hurriedly
approaching. "Is it the doctor?" said the steward's voice, and I
answered in the affirmative.

"You're wanted at once, sir. Mr. Morland has sent for you."

I moved off quickly, and had got half-way down the deck when a woman
came forward noiselessly through the gloom.

"Dr. Phillimore," she said, "I want you to see to Mlle. Chateray at
once. She is very ill."

I entered the state rooms without further question, hurried down the
handsome corridor, and under Miss Morland's guidance found the cabin.
Certain constitutions are peculiarly affected by the sea, and it is
even undertaking a risk for some people to travel on that element.
Clearly it was, as Pye hinted, for the French lady that my prescription
had been required. Outside the cabin in the corridor I encountered Mr.
Morland, who exhibited a troubled face unusual to one of such apparent
equanimity. But he said nothing, only looked at his sister and turned
away.

Inside I fo