hen
we fixed up the table-list, and you'll see they are not all ponderous
elderly people with titles, this time. Come on!"

The sisters exchanged glances, and Hope in a spasm of repentance,
murmured, "Oh papa, you're too good to us!" which he only half caught
as Faith just then remarked,

"But Hafiz--I'll have to--"

"Here, Jack,"--to a passing attendant,--"take this kitten to my cabin,
and see that the door is shut into the large stateroom, off. Hafiz and
Texas are better apart until time has cemented their friendship," he
added, with a twinkle, turning again to his daughters. "Now hurry!"
and he raced them merrily down the companion-way, and through the after
saloon, to the great apartment set out with table after table, in a
bewildering vista of white linen, glittering silver, and shining
crystal.

As they stepped to their places Hope nearly gave a hop of pleasure, for
on one side were Bess and Dwight, with a tall lady whom Bess greatly
resembled, and a rather magnificent gentleman, whose whole air bespoke
one used to power, to luxury, and to travel.

The others consisted of two or three officers, an outgoing Indian
official who wrote Sir before his name, a famous traveler, a minister
from America, and a Russian writer of note. The ladies were fewer,
there being only three besides Mrs. Vanderhoff. One was the wife of
the English baronet, and the other two seemed traveling together, but
in what relation was not apparent. One was past middle life, and
fine-looking, with snowy hair, brilliant eyes, and a polished speech
and manner. The other was, as the sisters rather hastily decided, not
prepossessing in appearance, having a reserved and haughty manner. She
seldom spoke, and was either preoccupied, or indifferent.

The captain, with a courteous general greeting, introduced his
daughters, then seated them, one on either side of his own place, when,
with a word to Joey, whose manner was eagerly attentive, he hastened
back to his post, leaving them to their own devices. Bess at once
presented them to her mother and uncle, the latter in turn mentioning
the names of the Indian official, Sir Wilbur Lawton, his wife and the
traveler, whose famous cognomen may not be written here. Then he
glanced half inquiringly at the two ladies, who were evidently
strangers to him, when she of the white hair said gracefully,

"And let me present to all, my friend, Lady Moreham."

Then, as her companion did not return the