'Quite right, my dear,' said Bryan, when lie saw her--he himself was arrayed in a high hat with a curly brim, blue body coat, gray trousers, and jean boots with patent leather tips--'quite right, my dear; they go in immensely for this sort of thing here, and you will find that we shall have a few of the press fellows on board before we land, and no end of them waiting at the wharf. First impressions are everything, and half a column in the _Scarifier_, a personal paragraph in the _Growler_, and a subleader in the _Democrat_ to-morrow morning, will do us good service with our first night's audience; besides, Van Buren is a man who fancies himself a lady-killer, and I want him to be impressed.' 'And won't you be at all jealous?' asked Miss Montressor, looking up coquettishly. 'I jealous?' cried Bryan. 'Of course; stark, staring, raving crazy with jealousy. I'd push those side curls a little further back, my dear, if I were you; and just let me tighten that pin at the back of your collar. That will do nicely. Have you seen anything of Skrymshire?' 'The last time he appeared he was looking very melancholy and disconsolate,' said Miss Montressor. 'It is most important that Van Buren should not see him until he is in better feather,' said Bryan. 'There will be some champagne cocktail going on when these press fellows come on board, and I will take care that Skrymshire has a dose of that to pick him up. A low comedian with a horse's head and that suit of clothes is enough to frighten any manager out of an engagement.' Mr. Duval's predictions were fulfilled. The health officer had scarcely rowed off after his interview with the doctor when another boat was seen approaching the vessel, containing certain members of the press, who quickly appeared on board and were conducted to Mr. Duval, by whom they were received with great courtesy. His ability and geniality had made him a general favourite during his last visit to America, and his return, bringing out a company of whom--notably of Miss Montressor--great things were expected, was hailed with delight. The literary gentlemen, who had a general air of having been up all night, and not having thought it worth while to devote much attention to their toilets in the morning, were conducted to the cabin, where champagne cocktails and other exhilarating drinks were provided for them by Mr. Duval, who, when the liquor had well circulated, despatched a trusty emissary to conduct Miss Montressor to their presence.