“I was below with my niece setting our cabins to rights, as travellers like to do before getting out of smooth water. Well, little one, you look very bright; but you are thinner than when I saw you last. I am afraid you have had an anxious summer.”
“Yes, rather,” answered Sheila. “Poor Effie was ill for a long time, and I don’t think all the doctors and specialists they called in did her any good. They tried all sorts of things for her breathing, and there was a sort of operation once, and I’m sure that did her harm. The last man who saw her said, ‘Take her out of England for the winter. Let her live out of doors and take no physic, and not see a doctor at all unless there is real cause.’ That’s what I call being sensible; and I remembered what you had said about Madeira and how delightful it was there, and Effie set her heart upon going. So here we are. Uncle and Aunt Cossart, and Effie and I and her maid. Oh, I think it will be delightful! I have never been abroad. It will be charming to cross the Atlantic and see beautiful new places!”
There was a laugh from behind, and Sheila turned to meet the sunny glance from a pair of bright dark eyes, and Miss Adene said—
“Ah, here is my nephew (as he likes to be called) Ronald Dumaresq! Let me introduce him, Sheila, my dear.”
The girl held out her hand with her pretty manner, half shy, half frank, and Ronald shook it heartily, saying—
“I have heard a lot about you, Miss Cholmondeley, from my aunt. I know all about that fire in which you played the part of heroine.”
“I!” cried Sheila, half indignant at the imputation. “I did nothing at all but shiver and shake, and feel in a most fearful fright. I don’t know if that’s what you call being heroic. I don’t.”
“Well, but you must have a spirit of your own, I am sure! Did I not just hear you saying that crossing the Atlantic would be delightful? Not many people share that opinion, I can tell you.”
“I mean it to be delightful. I don’t care if I am ill. It will be a new experience. I like to try new things.”
“If you like sea-sickness you will be a remarkable being,” laughed Ronald; “but perhaps you are a good sailor.”