Patty wished she could talk French more readily than she did. She found
it good practice to talk to Lisette in her own language, as the mistakes
she made did not embarrass her. Lisette, of course, was a great admirer
of pretty Patty, and was only too glad to be of assistance to her
linguistically or any other way.

Another bugle-call announced dinner, and, joining Mr. and Mrs.
Farrington, the girls went down to the dining saloon. Their seats were
at the captain's table, and Patty thought she had never seen such a
profusion of beautiful flowers as graced the board. The stewards had
placed the flowers of all the passengers upon the tables, and, with the
lights and ornate decorations of the Louis XVI. saloon, it was like
fairyland. The walls and ceiling were elaborately decorated in dainty
French fashion, and the table service was exceedingly attractive. Patty
was much amused at the revolving chair which she had to learn how to get
into, but after being twirled to her place she concluded it was a wise
provision for a dining-room of such uncertain level.

Mrs. Farrington sat at the captain's right hand, and next to her was her
husband, then Elise, and then Patty. Patty at once began to wonder who
would occupy the chair next beyond herself, and was exceedingly
interested when the steward turned it around to accommodate a lady who
was approaching.

The newcomer was without doubt a Frenchwoman, somewhat elderly, but very
vigorous and active. She had masses of snow-white hair, and large,
alert, black eyes that seemed to dart quickly from one point of interest
to another. She was a little lady, but her gait and manner were marked
by an air not only of aristocracy, but as of one accustomed to exert
absolute authority. Nor was she apparently of a mild and amiable