Hafiz and
Texas are better apart until time has cemented their friendship," he
added, with a twinkle, turning again to his daughters. "Now hurry!"
and he raced them merrily down the companion-way, and through the after
saloon, to the great apartment set out with table after table, in a
bewildering vista of white linen, glittering silver, and shining
crystal.
As they stepped to their places Hope nearly gave a hop of pleasure, for
on one side were Bess and Dwight, with a tall lady whom Bess greatly
resembled, and a rather magnificent gentleman, whose whole air bespoke
one used to power, to luxury, and to travel.
The others consisted of two or three officers, an outgoing Indian
official who wrote Sir before his name, a famous traveler, a minister
from America, and a Russian writer of note. The ladies were fewer,
there being only three besides Mrs. Vanderhoff. One was the wife of
the English baronet, and the other two seemed traveling together, but
in what relation was not apparent. One was past middle life, and
fine-looking, with snowy hair, brilliant eyes, and a polished speech
and manner. The other was, as the sisters rather hastily decided, not
prepossessing in appearance, having a reserved and haughty manner. She
seldom spoke, and was either preoccupied, or indifferent.
The captain, with a courteous general greeting, introduced his
daughters, then seated them, one on either side of his own place, when,
with a word to Joey, whose manner was eagerly attentive, he hastened
back to his post, leaving them to their own devices.
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