Summary

In Chapter 20, Valora joins a group of passengers meeting Captain Smith, who immediately greets her as Mrs. Sloane and introduces Cosmo Duff-Gordon and his wife, Lucy, who is a fashion designer. Valora knows Mr. Stewart is going to ask the captain for permission for the twins to perform. Captain Smith is ill at ease because of the confusion about the room. Valora takes advantage of that, saying she and her husband loved “spectacles” such as horse races. She says the docking bridge seems like the perfect stage and says the company should provide entertainment. Captain Smith asks if there is anything she needs. She says a thief tried to take her purse and some Chinese men returned it. She suggests the captain arrange for some of the candied fruit as a thank-you. As she leaves, Lucy asks who designed Valora's dress. She says...