Craft of every kind kept clear of the giant “Majestic” as she plowed down the Narrows.  Historic but worthless old forts are on either side, and far down into the lower bay the pilot guides the wonderful steamer.  Sandy Hook lighthouse, the low shores, and purple mountains of New Jersey are left behind, as the “Majestic” is set on her course at full speed.

The gong for the one o’clock lunch was sounded, and Alfonso, glad of the change, as his mother seemed unhappy, led the way below.  Colonel Harris, when he bought the tickets, had arranged that his family should sit at the captain’s table.  As Alfonso entered the saloon, the steward conducted him and his friends to their seats.  The captain’s seat was unoccupied as he was busy on deck.  The grand dining-room of the “Majestic” is amidships on the main deck.  At the three long tables and sixteen short side tables, three hundred persons can be accommodated.

The sea was smooth, so every chair was taken.  The scene was an animating one and interesting to study.  A single voyage will not suffice to reveal the heart histories and ambitions of three hundred cosmopolitan passengers.  Everybody was talking at the same time; all had much to say about the experiences in reaching and boarding the steamer.  Everybody was looking at everybody, and each wondered who the others might be.

So many new faces which are to be studies for the voyage, arrested the attention of Mrs. Harris.  Her appetite was not good, so she ate little, but closely watched the exhilarating scenes about her.  Many wives had their husbands by their sides, and this pained her, but she resolved to keep brave and to make the most of her opportunities.  Lucille and the young men were so interested in the pretty faces all about them, that they had little time for an English luncheon, and most of their eating was a make-believe.

Amidship the movement of the boat is reduced to a minimum, and in fair weather it is difficult to realize that you are out upon the ocean.  Each passenger at the table is furnished with a revolving chair.  Choice flowers, the gifts of loving friends left behind, were on every table, and their fragrance converted the dining-saloon into a large conservatory.  The Corinthian columns were fluted and embossed, the walls and ceiling were in tints of ivory and gold; the artistic panels abounded in groups of Tritons and nymphs; the ports were fitted with stained glass shutters, emblazoned with the arms of cities and states in Europe and America.  Behind the glass were electric lights, so that the designs were visible both night and day.

Surmounting this richly appointed saloon was a dome of artistic creation, its stained glass of soft tints, which sparkled in the warm sunlight and shed a kaleidoscope of color and design over the merry company of passengers.  Mirrors and the gentle rolling of the steamer multiplied and enlarged the gorgeous colorings and perplexing designs.