"Hugh was fast asleep when I last saw him," I said.
But Lucy hardly heard; her eyes were close shut, and her own words had come out very dreamily.
I sat down beside her for a little while, and amused myself by looking at the strange scene. There was a large round table in the room, on which were carriage bags of every kind, size, and shape. Some were half open, some quite open, and their contents jumbled together in the greatest confusion. In the middle of the table was a lamp, which cast a dim light over the room. This was large and lofty. The couches were filled with sleepers, covered, some with blankets, some with cloaks, shawls, wraps, of every sort and every colour. The large divan which had been in the middle of the room was pushed on one side and ornamented with a circle of little faces peeping out from among their wraps, like lilies from moss. On the floor were carpet bags of all colours, black bags, white bags; boots, shoes, baskets. I wished that I could sketch the scene, and especially the divan with its tiny sleepers, who looked as happy as if in their own little beds at home.
At last, almost without knowing it, I fell asleep in my corner, and was conscious of nothing more till I felt the chilly air of dawn blowing in through the venetians at my side.
The hotel was soon all bustle. We pitied the passengers who were going on to England. They were to start at half-past eight, and the hotel breakfast was not till nine. With great difficulty they managed to get some tea; this was all.
Our own party were intending to remain in Cairo for a time. We knew that as soon as the passengers going each way by the overland route should have left, we should find comfortable quarters. This made us the more sorry for our fellow-passengers, who had been so unselfish on our arrival. But they would soon reach Alexandria by train, and we were glad to know that they were to stop for refreshment by the way.
"What sort of bed had you last night, Hugh?" Lucy asked.
"A hard floor and a couple of warm blankets. Some kind friend threw a second blanket over me after I fell asleep. I was well taken care of, and never slept better. I fancy a good many would have been glad to have changed places with all of us who were snugly under the billiard-table."