'If these ladies,' he said, 'will kindly go to the opposite side of
the boat, I shall be able to climb in without danger of upsetting.'

'If mama inclines that way I think it will be sufficient,' answered
the muffled form which had made its way forward. The voice was
clear and low, remarkably self-possessed, and not without a
suggestion that its possessor bore a grudge against some person
present.

'Perhaps mademoiselle is right,' said Conyngham with becoming
gravity, and the lady in the stern obeyed her daughter's suggestion,
with the result anticipated. Indeed, the boat heeled over with so
much goodwill that Conyngham was lifted right out of the water. He
clambered on board and immediately began shivering, for the wind cut
like a knife.

The younger lady made her way cautiously back to the seat which she
had recently quitted, and began at once to speak very severely to
her mother. This stout and emotional person was swaying backwards
and forwards, and, in the intervals of wailing and groaning, called
in Spanish upon several selected saints to assist her. At times,
and apparently by way of a change, she appealed to yet higher powers
to receive her soul.

'My mother,' said the young lady to Conyngham, who had already got
the oars out, 'has the heart of a rabbit, but--yes--of a very young
rabbit.'

'Madame may rest assured that there is no danger,' said Conyngham.