'He seems to me to have great gifts of idleness, which on board ship are a blessing. How I do envy men when I see them smoking! It seems to me that nothing is wanting to them. Women have their needlework; but though they hate it less than idleness, they do hate it. But you really like your tobacco.' 'I don't like being idle. I read a good deal. Do you read?' 'I have but few books here. I have read more perhaps than most young women of my age. I came away in such a hurry that I have almost nothing with me.' 'Can I lend you books?' 'If you will. I will promise to take care of them.' 'I have "The Heartbroken One," by Spratt, you know. It is very absurd, but full of life from beginning to end. All that Spratt writes is very lively.' 'I don't think I care for Spratt. He may be lively, but he's not life-like.' 'And "Michael Bamfold." It is hard work, perhaps but very thoughtful, if you can digest that sort of thing.' 'I hate thought.' 'What do you say to Miss Bouverie's last;--"Ridden to a Standstill;" a little loud, perhaps, but very interesting? Or "Green Grow the Rushes O," by Mrs. Tremaine? None of Mrs. Tremaine's people do anything that anybody would do, but they all talk well.' 'I hate novels written by women. Their girls are so unlovely, and their men such absurdly fine fellows!' 'I have William Coxe's "Lock picked at Last," of which I will defy you to find the secret till you have got to the end of it.' 'I am a great deal too impatient.' 'And Thompson's "Four Marquises." That won't give you any trouble, because you will know it all from the first chapter.' 'And never have a moment of excitement from the beginning to the end. I don't think I care very much for novels. Have you nothing else?' Caldigate had many other books, a Shakespeare, some lighter poetry, and sundry heavier works of which he did not wish specially to speak, lest he should seem to be boasting of his own literary taste; but at last it was settled that on the next morning he should supply her with what choice he had among the poets. Then at about midnight they parted, and Caldigate, as he found his way down to his cabin, saw the quartermaster with his eye fixed upon Mrs. Smith. There is no so stern guardian of morality and propriety as your old quartermaster on board a first-class ship. 'You have been having a grand time of it with Mrs. Smith,' said Shand as soon as Caldigate was in their cabin. 'Pretty well,--as far as fine times go on board ship. Is there anything against it?' 'Oh, no, not that I know of. I started the hare; if you choose to run it I have no right to complain, I suppose.' 'I don't know anything about the hare, but you certainly have no right to complain because I have been talking to Mrs. Smith;--unless indeed you tell me that you are going to make her Mrs. Shand.' 'You are much more likely to make her Mrs. Caldigate.'