statue stands facing the Narrows, the
entrance from Europe, and how cordial the welcome to America which
Liberty extends."

"Yes," said Leo, "if you wish to see Bartholdi's noble mother, observe
the face of the statue. Bartholdi owed much to his mother's constant
encouragement."

"How true it is," said Mrs. Harris, "that most great men have had
splendid mothers."

Many on the deck thought of loved ones at home, of their country, and
wondered if they would return again to America. This was true of many
aboard who were now starting on their first ocean voyage, and their
thoughts no doubt were akin to those that filled the minds of Columbus
and his crew when they left Palos.

Craft of every kind kept clear of the giant "Majestic" as she plowed down
the Narrows. Historic but worthless old forts are on either side, and far
down into the lower bay the pilot guides the wonderful steamer. Sandy
Hook lighthouse, the low shores, and purple mountains of New Jersey are
left behind, as the "Majestic" is set on her course at full speed.

The gong for the one o'clock lunch was sounded, and Alfonso, glad of the
change, as his mother seemed unhappy, led the way below. Colonel Harris,
when he bought the tickets, had arranged that his family should sit at
the captain's table. As Alfonso entered the saloon, the steward conducted
him and his friends to their seats. The captain's seat was unoccupied as
he was busy on deck. The grand dining-room of the "Majestic" is amidships
on the main deck. At the three long tables and sixteen short side tables,
three hundred persons can be accommodated.

The sea was smooth, so every chair was taken. The scene was an animating
one and interesting to study. A single voyage will not suffice to reveal
the heart histories and ambitions of three hundred cosmopolitan
passengers. Everybody was talking at the same time; all had much to say
about the experiences in reaching and boarding the steamer. Everybody was
looking at everybody, and each wondered who the others might be.

So many new faces which are to be studies for the voyage, arrested the
attention of Mrs. Harris. Her appetite was not good, so she ate little,
but closely watched the exhilarating scenes about her. Many wives had
their husbands by their sides, and this pained her, but she resolved to
keep brave and to make the most of her opportunities. Lucille and the
young men were so interested in the pretty faces all about them, that
they had lit