Sometimes Leo in his secret thoughts feared that Rosie’s beauty and charming manner would command riches, and sometimes he dared to think that possibly his talent and fame might command a handsome dowry.  Then his mind turned to Lucille.  She was taller than Rosie, not so vivacious, but like Rosie enjoyed a happy time.  He even ventured at times to say mentally of Lucille that “it is she or none on earth,” and then as he recalled the ring given to Rosie, the old love would assert itself and he would shut his eyes, ashamed of an affection that was false hearted.  It was fortunate for Leo that he was a good sailor, as it enabled him to do many thoughtful things for the Harrises, and thus show his appreciation of their great kindness to him.

On the third day out from New York, the storm moderated somewhat and the passengers at breakfast visibly increased in number, but before the lunch hour was over the fury of the gale returned.  The steamer in her course had crossed the center of the cyclone where the force of the storm was diminished for a short time only.  All that afternoon and night the gale increased in force till it seemed as if volcanic powers under the sea were at work turning the ocean upside down.

Pent up forces in the west were loosed, and Neptune, deity of the ocean, with his three-pronged trident stalked abroad.  The bombardment of waves was terrific, and the twin propellers raced so fiercely that speed was reduced to a minimum.

In the morning the terrible cyclone had moved to the north, smoother seas were reached by lunch time, and most of the tables were again filled.  Many of those who were making a first voyage also put in their appearance, and they were subjected to much chaffing from the veterans of ocean travel.  Captain Morgan and Doctor Argyle were the recipients of many complimentary words for their skill.

At dinner Leo and Alfonso mustered full forces, and each side scored every point, for both Mrs. Harris and Lucille entered the dining room, and everybody enjoyed the menu after a three days’ fast.  Captain Morgan spoke of the storm as “the late unpleasantness,” and hoped his friends would not desert him again.  Mrs. Harris was silent, but Alfonso and Lucille promised loyalty for the future, and Leo said, “Captain Morgan, I believe I haven’t missed a meal.”

“Bravo, Colonna!” the captain replied, “you really seem to have inherited the sailing qualities of your great countryman Columbus, and I sincerely hope that you may render the world equally valuable services.”

Lucille added, “I am sure he will, captain; during the gale, he rendered signal services to suffering humanity.”

“To-morrow,” continued Captain Morgan, “is the 21st of June, when the day and night will be of equal length, the sun rising and setting promptly at six o’clock.”

“Why not,” said Lucille, “set our watches by the steamer’s chronometer, and have the steward call us at 5:30 o’clock and all test the accuracy of the almanac?” Mrs. Harris and several others entered heartily into the plan.