"The sea is nothing to me now, ladies. The first time, I thought I and all on board would never see land again; but now I have no fears, and no illness. But I wish I could see my man again; he must want me back terribly!"
"He is very fond of you?" inquired No. 3.
"Mais oui, mademoiselle," said the pretty, laughing old woman. "And you, am I right in calling you mademoiselle? Are you not married?"
"No, madame, I am not married."
"Nor you?" she asked, turning to No. 2.
"Nor I either, madame."
"But, neither of you married! How is that, mesdemoiselles?" she inquired, shocked at this terrible state of affairs.
"It is sad that no one will have us, is it not, madame?"
"Ah, mesdemoiselles, I do not believe that! You are rich, and you are charming. You would find plenty of suitors in Corsica."
"If we were married, madame, perhaps our husbands would not let us run about the world like this!"