First. This ship is fireproof, waterproof, and mal de mer proof.
Second. We will positively land on the — day of —, or on the next day, or surely the next.
Third. The captain is (or is not) married, as the case may be. (I should advise that it be written "is" in either case, to save trouble.)
These liners carry much freight, and are slow, taking usually nine days for the ocean voyage, which together with the day down the Delaware, another up the channel, and the delay caused by the storm, will keep us on board thirteen days. It is because of the slow speed and the limited number of passengers that this line is patronized by such a delightful class of people who go chiefly for the quiet obtained on the sea.
ST. GEORGE'S CHANNEL:
"Floating around in my ink-pot" are many things which I intend to tell you some day, but with the unsteady condition of this writing-table, not now. Just a word today about my fellow-travelers.
Mrs. F., of Boston, reminds me of the Arabian proverb: "He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool; shun him. He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is simple; teach him. He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep; wake him. He who knows, and knows that he knows, is wise; follow him."
Mrs. F. is one whom I should be willing to follow. She has with her an invalid son, who looks older than she. She did not appear on deck for many days, and kept entirely to herself. She came up one of those days when I was alone on the deck. Joe, our deck steward, placed us in Ruth's two chairs, one of which she had just vacated, while he and the lady's servant fetched our chairs. When the chairs appeared they were identical, and with the same initials on them. Joe knew mine well, and the lady's servant knew hers. As the chairs were brought neither of us spoke, but our eyes met and we laughed.
After a few moments, "I wonder," said she, "if they are spelled the same, too." "I doubt it" I replied. That was all. The servants stared in wonder and left. She smiles and bows each time we meet, and I must confess I'd like to know what her given name is. On the sailing list it is Mrs. Wilburn Godfrey F— and maid, and Mr. W. G. F— and servant.
We missed the tide, so the boat will not be able to land us at the dock, but instead, we shall be compelled to go in on the tender, which is approaching in the distance.