"As a matter of fact, I have an objection to first-class," he said, "but it is largely that of wasting money for which I have a better use. The people one sees there also do not appeal to me. I fear most of them are idle fools. But perhaps the library is better selected."
"Oh, it is much larger than this!" the officer agreed. "I may take it, then, that you consent?"
"Certainly. We can't stay in a stateroom that smells as ours does."
"Then," said the other, "if you will inform your daughter, I will myself conduct you to your new quarters."
So Miss Vard was summoned, their steward was loaded with the baggage, and after a glance around No. 514 to assure herself that nothing had been overlooked, Miss Vard found herself following her father and the white-capped German along a narrow passage, past a steel door that was unlocked for them, and up the companion-way to a very handsome suite opening on the upper promenade. It consisted of two bedrooms and a sitting-room, and Kasia, as she glanced about it, could not repress an exclamation of surprise.
"Are we to stay here?" she asked.
"Yes, Madame," and the official smiled. "It is the only thing we have to offer. I am glad that it pleases you. It will help you to forget the inconvenience of changing," and, having waited until the steward had deposited his burden, he motioned him out before him, bowed and withdrew.
Kasia made a quick tour of the room, admiring its elegant furnishings, glanced into the bedrooms, and then came back to her father.
"I don't understand it!" she said. "Why should they give us all this?"
Her father regarded her in some surprise.