comradeship; but either she was too pretty or peculiarly
unfortunate, for she had seldom been offered either. It was something,
perhaps, that she still kept dreams, and a belief that there were
knightly and chivalrous men somewhere in the world, though they might not
be for her.

She was still, like Omar, wondering "What the vinters buy one half so
precious as the stuff they sell"--lost in cogitations about Diana, when
the subject of her thoughts, accompanied by three men, came down a
companion-way from an upper deck. They were evidently set for the shore,
and making their way to the ship's side as if certain that the best
places in the best boats were preserved for them.

Diana's appearance betrayed the lack of a maid. Her dress was crumpled,
her shoes badly laced, and her hat cocked carelessly upon her head. But
the subtle Italian hand of the ship's coiffeur had touched her hair,
saving the situation. Also, there was a sparkle in her eye and a _joie
de vivre_ in her laughter that made up for many deficiencies. Her
companions appeared to have been picked for their good looks, sleek
heads, and immaculate clothes. One, with whom she palpably stood on the
happiest of terms, was, in fact, strikingly handsome. The other two,
loitering in her wake, seemed content if she tossed them a word over her
shoulder from time to time. They all behaved as if they had bought the
ship, and found the presence of the rest of the passengers an
impertinence. Such of the latter as were still on board returned the
compliment according to sex and the ability that was theirs. The men
plainly admired Diana's nerve, while wondering with their eyebrows what
on earth she could see in those three footling fellows. The women looked
pityingly at the men, and with their noses indicated that Diana was some
kind of dangerous and unpleasant animal escaped from a menagerie. A lady
who had seated herself by April in a chair labelled "Major Sarle," curled
her lip at the passing group in a manner painfully familiar to her
neighbour. Presently, when they were left alone, the rest of the world
having disappeared down the ship's side, she addressed April, but with a
very different expression on her face.

"You are Lady Diana Vernilands, I think?" she said, smiling in a friendly
manner. "I am Mrs. Stanislaw. So glad to see you up."

April was instantly on the alert. Not only did she know the name of Mrs.
Lionel Stanislaw, but had very good caus