strong again"

"Quite strong, Mrs. Johns."

"You have never done this sort of thing before, have you?"

"Butler's work? No--but it is rather simple."

"I thought perhaps you had," she said. "I seem to recall you,
vaguely--that is, I seem to remember a crowd of people, and a
noise--I dare say I did see you in a crowd somewhere. You know,
you are rather an unforgettable type."

I was nonplused as to how a butler would reply to such a statement,
and took refuge in no reply at all. As it happened, none was needed.
The ship gave a terrific roll at that moment, and I just saved the
Chartreuse as it was leaving the table. Mrs. Johns was holding to a
chair.

"Well caught," she smiled, and, taking a fresh cigarette, she bent
over a table-lamp and lighted it herself. All the time her eyes
were on me, I felt that she was studying one over her cigarette,
with something in view.

"Is it still raining?"

"Yes, Mrs. Johns."

"Will you get a wrap from Karen and bring it to me on deck? I--I
want air to-night."