“I don’t think she does, for she goes to bed and leaves the girls to flirt with those officers in a way that I know is not proper,” answered Jenny, firmly.  “I should be very sorry to hear them say of you as they did of the Sibley girls, ’They are a wild lot, but great fun.’”

“Did they say that?  How impertinent!” and Ethel bridled up like a ruffled chicken, for she was not out yet, and had not lost the modest instincts that so soon get blunted when a frivolous fashionable life begins.

“I heard them, and I know that the well-bred people on board do not like the Sibleys’ noisy ways and bad manners.  Now, you, my dear, are young and unused to this sort of life; so you cannot be too careful what you say and do, and with whom you go.”

“Good gracious! any one would think you were as wise as Solomon and as old as the hills.  You are young, and you haven’t travelled, and don’t know any more of the world than I do,—­not so much of some things; so you needn’t preach.”

“I’m not wise nor old, but I do know more of the world than you, for I began to take care of myself and earn my living at sixteen, and four years of hard work have taught me a great deal.  I am to watch over you, and I intend to do it faithfully, no matter what you say, nor how hard you make it for me; because I promised, and I shall keep my word.  We are not to trouble Mrs. Homer with our little worries, but try to help each other and have a really good time.  I will do anything for you that I can, but I shall not let you do things which I wouldn’t allow my own sisters to do, and if you refuse to mind me, I shall write to your mother and ask to go home.  My conscience won’t let me take money and pleasure unless I earn them and do my duty.”

“Well, upon my word!” cried Ethel, much impressed by such a decided speech from gentle Jane, and dismayed at the idea of being taken home in disgrace.

“We won’t talk any more now, because we may get angry and say what we should be sorry for.  I am sure you will see that I am right when you think it over quietly.  So good-night, dear.”

“Good-night,” was all the reply Ethel gave, and a long silence followed.

Mrs. Homer could not help hearing as the staterooms were close together, and the well-ventilated doors made all conversation beyond a whisper audible.

“I didn’t think Jane had the spirit to talk like that.  She has taken my hint and asserted herself, and I’m very glad, for Ethel must be set right at once or we shall have no peace.  She will respect and obey Jane after this, or I shall be obliged to say my word.”

Mrs. Homer was right, and before her first nap set in she heard a meek voice say,—­

“Are you asleep, Miss Bassett?”

“No, dear.”

“Then I want to say, I’ve thought it over.  Please don’t write to mamma.  I’ll be good.  I’m sorry I was rude to you; do forgive—­”