e rest of his sex, and my sense of female propriety is shocked by
his presence. But, who are these people?"--glancing at Flora and her
maid--"and why is that woman admitted into the ladies' cabin?--servants
have no business here."

"She is the nurse; that alters the case," said Miss Leigh. "The plea of
being the children's attendant brought Master Hector into the cabin."

"The boy is black, and has, on that score, as Mrs. Major F. says,
neither rank nor sex," continued the waspish Miss Mann, contradicting
the objections she had made to Hector's company only a few minutes
before. "I will not submit to this insult, nor occupy the same apartment
with a servant."

"My dear Madam, you strangely forget yourself," said Miss Leigh. "This
lady has a very young infant, and cannot do without the aid of her
nurse. A decent, tidy young woman is not quite such a nuisance as the
noisy black boy that Mrs. Dalton has entailed upon us."

"But, then she is a woman of _fashion_," whispered Miss Mann; "and we
know nothing about these people, and if I were to judge by the young
person's dress--"

"A very poor criterion," interrupted Miss Leigh; "I draw my inferences
from a higher source." And turning to Flora, she inquired, in a kind,
friendly tone, "if she were going all the way to Edinburgh, the age of
the baby, and how both were affected by the sea."

Before Flora could answer these questions, Miss Mann addressed her with
great asperity of look and manner--

"Perhaps, Madam, you are not aware that it is against the regulations of
these vessels, to admit servants into the state cabin."

"I am sorry, ladies," said Flora, rather proudly, "that the presence of
mine should incommode you. I have only just recovered from a dangerous
illness, and am unable at present to take the whole charge of the child
myself. I have paid for my servant's attendance upon me in the cabin,
and I am certain that she will conduct herself in a manner not to offend
the prejudices of any one here."

"How unpleasant," grumbled the old maid, as she turned disdainfully on
her heel; "but what else can be expected from under-bred people."

"Send away your nurse," said Miss Leigh, in a low voice, to Mrs.
Lyndsay; "her presence gives, it seems, great offence to certain people,
and, if I may judge by her pale looks, she will be of little service to
you; I will help you to take care of your sweet baby."

Flora immediately complied with Miss Leigh's request. Hannah