troublesome dream, when around the corner came the brunette, wrapped in
a long cloak that covered her from head to foot. The cloak had a couple
of side pockets set angleways in front, after the manner of the pockets
in ulsters. In these pockets Miss Earle's hands were placed, and she
walked the deck with a certain independent manner which Mr. Morris
remembered that he disliked. She seemed to be about to pass him without
recognition, when the young man took off his cap and said pleasantly,
"Good morning, Miss Earle. You are a very early riser."

"The habit of years," answered that young lady, "is not broken by merely
coming on board ship."

Mr. Morris changed step and walked beside her.

"The habit of years?" he said. "Why, you speak as if you were an old
woman."

"I _am_ an old woman," replied the girl, "in everything but one
particular."

"And that particular," said her companion, "is the very important one, I
imagine, of years."

"I don't know why that is so very important."

"Oh, you will think so in after life, I assure you. I speak as a veteran
myself."

The young lady gave him a quick side glance with her black eyes from
under the hood that almost concealed her face.