Baby Van Rensselaer: Really, I have nothing to forgive, Mr. Jones. I’ve no doubt my aunt will be very glad to see you.
Dear Jones: Ah—how is Mrs. Martin?
Baby Van Rensselaer: She is in the cabin. She is quite well at present; but she is always very nervous about sea-sickness, and she prefers to lie down. I must go in and sit with her.
Dear Jones [quickly]: Indeed—I didn’t know Mrs. Martin suffered from sea-sickness. She’s crossed the ocean so many times, you know. How many is it?
Baby Van Rensselaer: Six, I think.
Dear Jones: No; eight, isn’t it? I’m almost sure it’s eight.
Baby Van Rensselaer: Very possibly. But she is a great sufferer. I must go and see how she is.
Dear Jones: Yes, we’ll go. I want to see Mrs. Martin. One of the disadvantages of the summer season is that one can’t see the Duchess at regular intervals to exchange gossip.
Baby Van Rensselaer: Well, if you have any confidential gossip for the Duchess, I will wait here until you come out. I want to get all the fresh air possible, if I have to sit in the cabin for the rest of the trip.