"Perhaps you had better dine with us," suggested the principal, as he pointed to the adjoining room.
"We have been with a party of English people for some time," stammered the late purser. "Will you allow me to speak to them before I leave?"
"It is unnecessary. You were not so particular when you left our party at Moscow. If any explanations are required, I will make them for you;" and the principal pointed to the door again.
Seats were assigned to them at table d'hôte, but somehow their appetites were not very sharp.
The Kinnairds hardly missed the runaways, for Miss Gurney began to recognize the young officers who had been so attentive to her on board the ship, when she visited her at Christiansand. As Lincoln, Cumberland, and others were only human, probably they had been more polite to her because she was very pretty, than they otherwise would have been. Lincoln promptly recognized her, and so did Cumberland.
"I am very happy to meet you again," said the former.
"Thank you. I am delighted to see you," replied Julia.
"Is your ship here?" asked Mr. Kinnaird.
"No, sir; she is at Pillau," answered the commodore.
"That is unfortunate, for Julia very much desires to go on board of her again."