however, is a condition of brain and body of which I am seldom
conscious, so that the suggestion of its possibility did not disturb
my outlook. Having resolved to go, I equally resolved to enjoy the
trip to the utmost limit of my capacity for enjoyment, which--
fortunately for myself--is very great. Before my departure from home
I had to listen, of course, to the usual croaking chorus of
acquaintances in the neighbourhood who were not going yachting and
who, according to their own assertion, never would on any account go
yachting. There is a tendency in many persons to decry every
pleasure which they have no chance of sharing, and this was not
lacking among my provincial gossips.

"The weather has been so fine lately that we're sure to have a break
soon,"--said one--"I expect you'll meet gales at sea."

"I hear," said another, "that heavy rains are threatening the west
coast of Scotland."

"Such a bore, yachting!" declared a worthy woman who had never been
on a yacht in her life--"The people on board get sick of each
other's company in a week!"

"Well, you ought to pity me very much, then!"--I said, laughing--
"According to your ideas, a yachting cruise appears to be the last
possible form of physical suffering that can be inflicted on any
human being. But I shall hope to come safely out of it all the
same!"

My visitors gave me a wry smile. It was quite easy to see that they
envied what they considered my good fortune in getting a holiday