making their way slowly down the companionway towards the dining room.
Chester saw at a glance that neither of them was strong, but both tried
to appear able and were bound to help each other. He smiled at their
well-meaning endeavors, then without asking leave, took the man's free
arm and helped him down the steps, saying,

"You haven't quite got your sea-legs yet--Now then, steady, and we'll
soon be there. Get a good dinner, and that will help."

The steward showed them to the two seats opposite Chester which had been
vacant so long.

"Thank you very much," said the girl to Chester, with a smile, when the
elderly man was well seated. Chester bowed without replying, then went
around the table to his own seat.

Somehow that gracious little smile had made Chester's heart flutter for
an instant. As he realized it, he said to himself, "What's the matter
with me? Am I getting foolish? It was, certainly a sweet smile, and the
thanks were gracious, too; but what of it?" The first courses were being
served. She was sitting opposite him, just a few feet away. He might
take a good look at the girl to see if there was anything uncommon about
her. He looked down the table, glancing just for an instant opposite.
No; there was nothing striking, or to be disturbed about. The girl was
still solicitous over her companion, meanwhile eating a little herself.
"I musn't be rude, thought Chester, and then looked again across the
table. The man was past middle age. His face was clean shaven, and he
was dressed in the garb of a minister. He was a preacher, then. The girl
had evidently suffered much from sea-sickness, because her face was pale
and somewhat pinched, though there was a tinge of red in her cheeks.