"You must all have made very sure of me, to write to Captain Bedford as you did! ... I had the kindest letter from him yesterday, promising every help _en voyage_. I am to tip the steward to arrange that he has a seat next to me at table from Aden onward. I shall have found my sea legs by then, I suppose, and be able to turn up for meals. He--Captain Bedford--isn't too well, I'm afraid, for he talks of feverish turns which can't be good in his condition, but there seems no doubt of his return. I shall cross-question him (artfully!) about you, and expect to pick up some useful information. Don't expect me to write again before sailing. I am too busy and--_shy_! and when I _do_ arrive, please arrange to meet me first among a crowd of people, and look the other way hard whenever I'm looking. I'm capable of coming home by the first boat if I'm druv! "Katrine." "P.S.--I have no money; not a cent. `My face is my fortune,' plus a pearl necklet, and a loving heart! The situation is so unusual that I think I am justified in being personal and inquisitive. Here's an examination paper for you on certain burning points. You will have time to post answers to Port Said, and if unsatisfactory I can always drown myself, or--turn back! "Question I. "Do your ears stick out?" "_NB_.--This is important. Prevarication forbidden. "Question II. "When annoyed do you rage or sulk? "Question III. "Have you tiresome little ways? If so, how many? Clearly define their nature, and specify in particular whether you fidget, scatter tobacco, sneeze loudly, scrape your plate, argue, frown over bills, repeat yourself in conversation... "Question IV. "What sort of tobacco do you smoke, and how much? I don't smoke at all. Too Cranford! Are you pleased or sorry? "Question V. "What would be your manner of proceeding under the following circumstances:-- "Wife irritable. Wife hysteric. Wife homesick. Wife unreasonable and provoking? Wife all at once." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "My Dearest Katrine,