“Agreed,” responded Alfonso, thinking it would help to keep the ladies in good spirits.

“But what shall count for a meal?” inquired Alfonso.

“Not less than ten minutes at the table, and at dinner, soup at least.”  Lucille thought Leo’s idea a capital one.  It was agreed that the contest should commence with the next lunch, and that Alfonso and Leo should act as captains for the two sides.

By this time Lucille had eaten a little toast and had sipped part of her chocolate.  A tenderloin steak and sweet omelet with French fried potatoes were being served, when suddenly the color left her face.  Another lurch of the steamer sent a glass of ice water up her loose sleeve, and, utterly discomfited, she begged to be excused and rushed from the table.

“Oh dear, mother, how terribly I feel; let me lie down.  Oh dear!  I wish I were home with father and Gertrude.”

“If the colonel were only here to help,” murmured Mrs. Harris.  “Stewardess, where are you?  Why don’t you hurry when I ring?  Go for the doctor at once.”  It was now blowing a gale and the steamer was rolling badly.

It was a long half-hour before the doctor entered the stateroom of Mrs. Harris.  Dr. Argyle was perfect in physical development and a model of gentlemanly qualities.  His education had been received in London and Vienna, and he had joined the service of the “Majestic” that he might enlarge his experiences as practitioner and man of the world.  He had correctly divined that here he was sure to touch intimately the restless and wandering aristocracy of the globe.

While Dr. Argyle was ostensibly the ship’s doctor, he was keenly alert for an opportunity that would help him on to fame and fortune.  Of the two he preferred the latter, as he believed that humanity is just as lazy as it dares to be.  Therefore stateroom No. ——­ was entered both professionally and inquisitively.  The doctor was half glad that the Harrises were ill, as he had seen the family at Captain Morgan’s table and desired to meet them.  Captain Morgan had incidentally mentioned to the doctor the great wealth of the Harris family, and this also had whetted his curiosity.  Before him lay mother and daughter, helpless, both in utter misery and the picture of despair.

“Beg pardon, ladies,” said the doctor as he entered, “you sent for me I believe?”

“Yes, yes,” replied Mrs. Harris, “we thought you had forgotten us, as the half-hour’s delay seemed a full week.  My daughter, Lucille, and I are suffering terribly.  How awful the storm!  Last night, doctor, I thought I should die before morning, and now I greatly fear that the ship will go down.”

“Do not fear, ladies,” the doctor replied, “the wind is only brisk; most people suffer a little on the ocean, especially on the first voyage.”

“What is the cause of this terrible seasickness, doctor, and what can you do for us?”

“Frankly, Mrs. Harris, no two physicians agree as to the cause.  Usually people suffer most from seasickness who come aboard weary from over-work or nervous exhaustion.  Most people waste vital forces by too much talking or by over-exertion.  Americans, especially, overcheck their deposits of vitality, and as bankrupts they struggle to transact daily duties.  Wise management of nerve forces would enable them to accomplish more and enjoy life better.”