“Except one, of course,” I said. “Yes,” he answered, “except one. Look at the generality of women,” he cried bitterly; “especially those who are what they call philanthropic and good. They will fuss and mourn over some drunken wretch who cannot be reclaimed, and would be no use if he could, and they will spend their time and sympathy over some creature bedraggled in the slums, whose only hope can be death, and that as soon as possible, yet not one of them will lift a finger to save a fellow creature from going over the brink of ruin. They will turn their noses in the air when a word from them would do some good, and then they will spend their time fussing and weeping over somebody that nothing on earth can help.” “Now, Howard,” I said, “that’s your cynicism which I’ve so often deplored. Come down to plain language, and tell me what you mean?” “Look at the women on board this steamer,” he cried indignantly. “There’s pretty little Mrs. Tremain, who seems to have become fascinated by that scoundrel Glendenning. Any person can see what kind of a man he is—any one but an innocent child, such as Mrs. Tremain is. Now, no man can help. What she needs is some good kindly woman to take her by the hand and give her a word of warning. Is there a woman on board of this steamer who will do it? Not one. They see as plainly as any one else how things are drifting; but it takes a man who has murdered his wife to get sympathy and flowers from the modern so-called lady.” “Didn’t you ever hear of the man, Howard, who made a large sum of money, I forget at the moment exactly how much, by minding his own business?” “Oh yes, it’s all very well to talk like that; but I would like to pitch Glendenning overboard.” “I admit that it would be a desirable thing to do, but if anybody is to do it, it is Captain Tremain and not you. Are you a married man, Howard?” “No,” answered Howard, evidently very much flattered by the question. “Well, you see, a person never can tell on board ship; but, if you happen to be, it seems to me that you wouldn’t care for any outsider to interfere in a matter such as we are discussing. At any rate Mrs. Tremain is a married woman, and I can’t see what interest you should have in her. Take my advice and leave her alone, and if you want to start a reforming crusade among women, try to convert the rest of the ladies of the ship to be more charitable and speak the proper word in time.” “You may sneer as much as you like,” answered young Howard, “but I will tell you what I am going to do. _Two is company, and three is none_; I’m going to make the third, as far as Mrs. Tremain and Glendenning are concerned.” “Supposing she objects to that?” “Very likely she will; I don’t care. The voyage lasts only a few days longer, and I am going to make the third party at any _tête-à-tête_.” “Dangerous business, Howard; first thing, you know, Glendenning will be wanting to throw _you_ overboard.”