"So you've got your leave, I hear, and are sailing for my blessed country in a few days," Jim remarked.
Loveland replied that this was the case, and happened to think of thanking Jim for his letters of introduction.
Harborough answered casually that that was all right; and went on to say that he had read in a paper, or heard from a man, that Loveland had taken his passage on the Baltic.
"Yes," said Val. "I wanted to go over on a good ship."
"Well, the Baltic's a ripping one—couldn't be a better," Jim admitted. "But I should have thought you'd have the curiosity to try the newest thing."
"The Mauretania?" said Loveland. "Don't suppose I could have got a passage on her for the next three or four trips across."
"Perhaps you couldn't," said Jim. "But I can get you one."
"Why, she sails tomorrow, doesn't she?" asked Val.
"Yes," said Jim, "but you can go on her if you like, with a good cabin too, all to yourself."
"My passage is paid for on the Baltic, and my name's on her passenger list," said Loveland.