English manufacture, the cracker, as we call it--and those who frequent
the smoking-room are in the habit sometimes of rising early, and, after
a walk on deck, pouring out a cup of coffee for themselves."

"But I do not expert to be a _habitue_ of the smoking-room," said Miss
Earle. "Nevertheless, you have a friend who will be, and so in that
way, you see, you will enjoy the advantages of belonging to the smoking
club."

A few moments afterwards, Morris appeared with a camp-stool under his
arm, and two cups of coffee in his hands. Miss Earle noticed the smile
suddenly fade from his face, and a look of annoyance, even of terror,
succeed it. His hands trembled, so that the coffee spilled from the cup
into the saucer.

"Excuse my awkwardness," he said huskily; then, handing her the cup, he
added, "I shall have to go now. I will see you at breakfast-time. Good
morning." With the other cup still in his hand, he made his way to the
stair.

Miss Earle looked around and saw, coming up the deck, a very handsome
young lady with blonde hair.


THIRD DAY.

On the morning of the third day, Mr. George Morris woke up after a sound
and dreamless sleep. He woke up feeling very dissatisfied with himself,
indeed. He said he was a fool, which was probably true enough, but even
the calling himself so did not seem to make matters any better. He