Under these conditions conversation was not difficult, and a few minutes sufficed to establish a talking acquaintance. But two of the party were embarrassed, and said but little-Sir Norman because he was thinking a great deal and watching a certain person who was his vis-à-vis with anxious attention; while Mrs. Beltravers, for reasons, probably, of her own, that were not so apparent, regarded him with considerable curiosity. I need scarcely say that Mr. Milward was perfectly at his ease, and conducted himself with charming affability. Ignoring, with graceful indifference, the fact that Mrs. Beltravers seemed indisposed to be very communicative, he repeatedly asked her opinion upon the most indifferent subjects, volunteering his own most liberally in return. Finding, however, that it was not easy to gain reciprocity in that quarter, he had recourse to Miss Beltravers, and that young lady being more complaisant, a diagonal dialogue between the two was soon in a highly-flourishing condition.

'Have you ever made the Overland journey?' asked Milward, starting in orthodox style.

Once,' was the answer.

'Once each way, I suppose—an extensive experience for so young a lady.'

No, I only came home.'

Ah! then you were-then you belong to India?'

'Yes, my father had estates there.'

The latter fact was mentioned with an air which seemed to convey that the possession of estates in India gave people a right to come into the world there, and that the young lady was not to be confounded with the oi polloi of country-borns.' 'And you remember the journey?'

Oh, yes, it was only three years

ago.'

A pleasant trip, is it not? You are so well taken care of on board the P. and O. steamers, except that the fares are too large and the cabins too small, and the food is open to the charge of being bad, and the wine has been repeatedly convicted of being worse, and the

passengers generally all quarrel, and just when you think you could not possibly be more uncomfortable than you are, the ship gives a jump and you find yourself wrecked on a coral reef, and condemned for ten days to make common cause with cads, who take advantage of the danger to be familiar. But, for my part, I see no reason why a man should have a right to claim your acquaintance because he has met you, say, on a raft, or you have been drawn on shore together by the same hawser.'

'Or are thrown together at the same breakfast table?"

This was said a little maliciously -in case, I suppose, that Mr. Milward should happen to mean what he said, though that gentleman spoke with great gravity, and betrayed no appearance of jesting. But Mr. Milward was not to be discomposed. Bowing deferentially he resumed

'There I admit you give me a fair hint, and did I suppose that I could be for a moment misunderstood I should immediately make an apology. But I was saying-there is no knowing what advantage objectionable people will take of you, in order to make your acquaintance. I remember a cad once who, at the risk of his own life, saved the life of a lord, so that he might get into his society. But the lord was too much for him. When he had quite recovered-he had been very nearly drowned-and the cad came to see how he was, his lordship said: 'My good man, you did very well, did your duty to your neighbour, indeed, in a most proper manner. But the fact does not change the relations which we bear towards one another, and I must ask you not to call upon me again, except on business. If you have been out of pocket through the little service you rendered to me I shall be happy to reimburse you, or, should you be out of employment, I think I might promise you a place in the Excise. Let me know by letter what you would like-I shall be always happy to hear of your welfare-good morning." Neat, was it not? The cad, I believe, was fool

enough to be offended. It was fortunate that he was not allowed to take the life he had saved, or I daresay he would have done so. And you are going all the way with us to Calcutta?' he added, with an air as if 'us' had chartered the ship, but would be happy to extend its accommodation to a limited number of presentable persons.

Yes, we are going to Calcutta first, but eventually I think to the hills.'

'Then you stay in India?'

'I really do not know-you must ask mamma about our arrangements -they depend upon her.'

'Oh, I must "ask mamma," must I?'

Milward laid a little emphasis upon the words which he repeated, but without betraying Miss Beltravers into more than a little laugh.

Mamma, however, seemed about to reply without being asked; but Sir Norman, who had not appeared very tolerant of his friend's talk, and at the last remark looked a little indignant, diverted the subject of conversation by asking Mrs. Beltravers if he could be of any use to her in making her preliminary arrangements on board.

Thank you,' returned that lady, composedly, our cabin is engaged beforehand, and I daresay my maid has by this time taken down as many things as we are allowed to put in it. The remainder will of course go into the hold.

I am

much obliged to you, and if any advantage should be taken of our unprotected condition'-Mrs. Beltravers did not say this very seriously I will ask for your aid. I think, by the way'-turning to her daughter-we might go and see what Mary Jane is about.'

So the ladies rose, the gentlemen bowed, and the former left the table. As they were mounting the stairs leading from the saloon to the deck Mrs. Beltravers was heard to remark

'I think that is the most disagreeable person I ever met in the whole course of my life.'

To which gentleman she referred did not appear; but her daughter seemed to know, for she answered

'Do you think so?'

And the most enthusiastic eavesdropper, unless he had followed them upon deck, could have heard

no more.

CHAPTER XXXV.

not

BETWEEN MARSEILLES AND MALTA. Halidame had half a mind to quarrel with Milward for what he considered the impertinent tone of that gentleman's conversation towards their new acquaintances. But his claims to the position of a champion were indisputable, and he saw that some ridicule might be attached to the assumption. Moreover, his sensibility dreaded anything like a scene,' especially when certain persons were concerned; and then, too, it was easier to say nothing than to interfere. So, between one consideration and another, Sir Norman did not express his annoyance, and allowed Milward to disport himself as he pleased upon the prospect of having such charming fellow-passengers on their journey. I believe that gentleman was under the serious impression that he had made a decided conquest of one or both of them, by his engaging manners and amiable criticisms upon men and things.

An important event soon diverted everybody from other considerations. The 'Exuberant' weighed anchor, steamed out of the harbour, and was soon in the open sea.

The open sea was a great check upon the imagination of most of the passengers, who were not many in number, by the way, for the majority of the outward bound had proceeded by Southampton, and so saved themselves the extra trouble incident to the route via Marseilles. As the Exuberant' began to bound over the billows under the influence of a fresh breeze, one by one disappeared from the deck, and were not to be found either in the saloon. Mrs. and Miss Beltravers were not among the number, for they had been invisible since breakfast, and by their seclusion gave bitter disappointment to those of their fellow