Barbara and Sydney lived upon those acrostics in their travelling bags till they reached Folkestone, and had grown intimate over them.  Sir James looked after the luggage, putting gently aside Janet’s strong-minded attempt to watch over it, and she only retained her own leathern travelling case, where she carried her personals, and which, heavy as it was, she never let out of her immediate charge.

They all sat on deck, for there was a fine smooth summer sea, and no one was deranged except the two maids, whom every one knew to be always disabled on a voyage.

Janet had not long been seated, and was only just getting immersed in her Contemporary, when she received a greeting which gratified her.  It was from somewhat of a lion, the author of some startling poems and more startling essays much admired by Bobus, who had brought him to some evening parties of his mother’s, not much to her delectation, since there were ugly stories as to his private character.  These were ascribed by Bobus to pious malevolence, and Janet had accepted the explanation, and cultivated a bowing acquaintance.

Hyde Corner was too agreeable a haunt to be despised, and Janet owed her social successes more to her mother’s attractions than her own.  Conversation began by an inquiry after her brothers, whose adventures had figured in the papers, and it went on to Janet’s own journey and prospects.  Her companion was able to tell her much that she wanted to know about the university of Zurich, and its facilities for female study.  He was a well-known advocate of woman’s rights, and she scrupled not to tell him that she was inquiring on her own account.  Many men would have been bored, and have only sought to free themselves from this learned lady, but the present lion was of the species that prefer roaring to an intelligent female audience, without the rough male argumentative interruption, and Janet thus made the voyage with the utmost satisfaction to herself.

Mrs. Evelyn asked Babie who her sister’s friend was.  The answer was, “Do you know, Elfie?  You know so many more gentlemen than I do.”

“No,” replied Elvira, “I don’t.  He looks like the stupid sort of man.”

“What is the stupid sort of man?” asked the General, as she intended.

“Oh! that talks to Janet.”

“Is everyone that talks to Janet stupid?”

“Of course,” said Elvira.  “They only go on about stupid things no better than lessons.”

Sir James laughed at her arch look, and shook his head at her, but then made a tour among the other passengers, leaving her pouting a little at his desertion.  On his return, he sat down by his sister-in-law and mentioned a name, which made her start and glance an inquiry whether she heard aright.  Then as he bent his head in affirmation, she asked, “Is there anything to be done?”

“It is only for the crossing, and she is quite old enough to take care of herself.”