Soon they were all in animated chat, and the
young attaches in Mrs. Campbell's vicinity began to look that way with
somewhat longing glances.
At length one of them, with some light excuse, sauntered away from her
side, made a slow tour of the deck, and finally drew near our three
girls; saying in passing.
"I've been looking for you, Carnegie."
The other, not having noticed the by-play, turned with a smile, and
replied,
"Have you? I've been down among my men most of the morning. One of
the poor fellows is ill. Not seasick, you understand, but a fever, I'm
afraid." Then as the schemer came to a stop he said bashfully, "May I
present Mr. Donelson, ladies?" and introductions followed.
Naturally Mr. Donelson was pleased at his success, and flung a laughing
glance of triumph back at his comrade, who still sat at the lady's
feet, though he, too, was beginning to fidget and look about for a way
of escape. Mrs. Campbell had seen all with eyes that seemed to notice
nothing, and was indignant enough, for she was inordinately vain, and
desired attention even from boys, if no other was forthcoming. To have
any one preferred before her was gall to her foolish pride. Besides
the traveler, whom she was inclined to make a hero of, had seen, too,
and though pretending still to talk to the Misses Laura and Janet
Windemere, his eyes were twinkling with appreciation.
Mrs. Campbell was not a malicious woman, unless thwarted in her own
plans; then she could be absolutely pitiless, and cared for neither
truth nor justice in carrying out her spiteful revenges.
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