"I see," said Malcolm. "That's why I argued with her to come on the Galatea. Good luck, Pel, and when we meet at Sherry's in Christmas week—don't forget to let us all know the day—I hope to drink to Mrs. Franklin." He held out his hand.
"I hope to God you may," said Franklin, taking it.
"I hope so too if you wish it as much as all that."
They both turned. Beatrix had just come up, dressed for the land.
"Don't I shake hands with anybody?" she added whimsically.
"With me," said Franklin.
"And me," said Malcolm.
And she gave them a hand each and divided one of her best smiles between them.
XXVI
At half-past three Captain McLeod stopped the engines of the Galatea and the big launch was lowered. Under the supervision of Mr. Jones the baggage belonging to Mrs. Larpent, Mrs. Lester Keene, Malcolm Fraser and the French maid was loaded into her, leaving plenty of room for the passengers.