"Certainly—perhaps too easy, sometimes. But, having got on, the thing is to remain on. I have heard it complained sometimes that Americans lose ground by assurance. If you come to England, I dare say you will be made a great deal of, because you are a rich young man. But if you want to be popular with any one besides manœuvring mammas, take my advice—never talk about your money, never presume upon it, in any way. The nicest people resent that.... I am going on deck; it is so hot here."
She delivered herself of this little homily simply, almost laughingly, and rose, leaving the young man to his half-finished luncheon. The mother opposite, without waiting for her son, upon whom Miss Lobb had once again fastened her fangs, had risen from the table, and Miss Ballinger followed and joined her on deck.
CHAPTER II
"May I walk up and down with you?"
The gentle little woman smiled her assent.
"I was never more surprised than to hear you were the mother of the young man opposite me—you look like his eldest sister."
"I was married very young."
"Is he your only child?"
"The only one alive. I lost two younger. That is why I—why we are doubly anxious about him."
"Your husband is alive, then? What is he?"