“No, I cannot fancy any one enjoying themselves on board ship,” rejoined Honor, with a vivid recollection of fretful children to wash and dress, and keep out of harm’s way. “Oh!” with a pitying, half-contemptuous smile, “seasick the whole way?” Honor shook her head. “Well, I see you won’t commit yourself,” with a playful air, “but I shall hear all about you from the Greys,” and she nodded significantly, as much as to say, “Pray do not imagine that any of your enormities will be hidden from _me_!” “Lalla!” to her niece, who was the centre of a group of men, “come here, and be introduced to Miss Gordon.” Lalla reluctantly strolled forward, with the air of a social martyr. “I think we have met before,” said Honor, frankly extending her hand. Miss Paske stared with a sort of blank expression, and elevating her eyebrows drawled-- “I think not.” But she also made a quick little sign. Unfortunately for her, she had to deal with a girl who could not read such signals, who answered in a clear, far-carrying voice-- “Oh, don’t you remember? I met you the other morning before breakfast up among the pine woods; you walking with Mr. Joy--surely you recollect how desperately our dogs fought!” Lalla felt furious with this blundering idiot, and hated her bitterly from that day forth. Mrs. Langrishe was made aware of Lalla’s early promenades for the first time, and her lips tightened ominously. She did not approve of these morning _tête-à-têtes_ with an impecunious feather-head, like Toby Joy. “Ah, yes, now that you mention it I _do_ recollect,” responded Miss Paske, with an air which implied that the fact of the meeting required a most exhaustive mental effort. “But you were in _deshabille_, you see” (this was a malicious and mendacious remark), “and you look so very different when you are dressed up! How do you think you will like India?” “It is too soon to know as yet.” “I see you have the bump of caution,” with a little sneer; “now I make up my mind to like or dislike a place or a person on the spot. I suppose you are fond of riding?” “I have never ridden since I was a child, but I hope to learn.” “Then that mount on Captain Waring’s pony was your first attempt. How ridiculous you did look! I’m afraid you are rather too old to learn riding now. Can you dance?” “Yes, I am very fond of dancing.” “How many ball dresses did you bring out?” demanded Miss Paske. “Only three,” replied the other, apologetically.