Wednesday, November 15th.—­Pleasant as we have found life at sea in the South Pacific hitherto, it is, I fear, monotonous to read about, and I dare say you will find it difficult to realise how quickly the days fly past, and how sorry we are when each one comes to an end.  I am afraid they are among those things which do not repeat themselves.  At any rate, they afford a golden opportunity for reading, such as we are not likely to have again often, if ever, in our busy lives; and Tom and I are endeavouring to make the best use of it by getting through as many of the seven hundred volumes we brought with us as possible.  The weather favours us in our endeavours to be industrious; for, while it is sufficiently warm to indispose one for a very severe course of study, it has never been so hot as to compel us to lie down and do nothing but gasp for breath—­which is what we were warned to expect.  There is indeed one slight drawback to the perfect enjoyment of our present state of existence, and that is the incessant motion of the vessel.  When she rolls as quickly as she has done to-day, it is difficult to settle down steadily to any occupation, and at last one cannot help feeling aggravated at the persistent manner in which everything, including one’s self, refuses to be still for a single instant.

Thursday, November 16th.—­To-day it is really warm—­not to say hot—­with a bright cloudless sky, which renders an awning acceptable.  We saw some ‘bo’s’n’ birds for the first time, and more shoals of flying-fish.  I wish a few of the latter would come on board; they would be an agreeable addition to our breakfast-table.

The rolling still continues, the wind being dead aft, and nothing but our square canvas being set.  The effect is rather wearisome, and one longs to be able to say ’Catch hold of her head and keep her still, if only for five minutes’ peace and quietness!’ Cooking is difficult, and even eating is a hazardous occupation; and at our evening game of cards we have to pocket our counters and markers and hold on as best we can.

Friday, November 17th.—­At 8 a.m. the course was altered, our fore-and-aft canvas was set again, and we were once more gliding along swiftly and smoothly through the water, to the great relief of every one on board.  The day was lovely, and though it was warm, a pleasant breeze throughout the ship prevented our feeling uncomfortably hot.

Saturday, November 18th.—­The days are so much alike that it is difficult to find anything special to say about them.  They fly so quickly that I was surprised to be reminded by the usual singing-practice this afternoon that another week had gone by.