‘I will do so with pleasure,’ I exclaimed. ‘I am very glad you have given her permission to go on deck at last. How do you think Miss Lee is?’ ‘How do I think Miss Lee is? How do I think Miss Lee is? Ask after yoursel’. How are you?’ ‘I feel very much better. I am still very nervous, but less so than I was. Do you think, Mr. McEwan, that the hair upon my eyebrow will ever grow again?’ ‘That will be, as you shall see,’ said he. ‘I trust it may; for there is undoubtedly an advantage in two eyebrows.’ ‘You do not answer my question?’ ‘I believe it may grow,’ he exclaimed. ‘If not, eyebrows are cheap to buy. There are plenty of mice, and mouse-skins are a drug. How’s your hair? Does it continue to thin?’ ‘It no longer comes out,’ I answered. ‘Were the eyebrow to grow I should look less unsightly. I should be able to make my appearance without a veil.’ ‘Do not trouble yoursel’ about your appearance,’ he growled. ‘But tell me, Mr. McEwan, what you think of Miss Lee’s case?’ ‘Are ye asking the question for Mrs. Lee?’ ‘I am asking the question for myself. Alice Lee has taught me to love her. She is a sister to me. Whilst she lives I am not alone.’ He looked at me gravely and said, ‘What d’ye think yoursel’?’ ‘Oh, I do not know. Often I hope....’ He eyed me for a few minutes without speech; then, with a wooden face and a stolid shake of his head, turned upon his heel and walked out. I dressed myself for the deck and entered the saloon. The interior was shadowed by awnings spread above, and it was as empty as though the ship were in port. Through the open skylights came the sound of people laughing and talking on deck. The motion of the ship was very quiet, and the atmosphere warm, as though the breath of the tropics was already in the gushing of the wind. I entered the Lees’ cabin, and found the mother and daughter waiting for me. Alice was warmly wrapped, and a green veil was pinned round her straw hat. Mrs. Lee apologised for sending for me. ‘It was Alice’s wish,’ she said. I saw a smile upon the girl’s face through her veil as she put her hand into my arm, and the three of us went on deck.