There were few passengers, a handful of Germans and an English family--father, mother, two daughters, and two sons Sitting apart, Miriam cast many glances at her country people, and not without envy.

They were comely folk, in the best English health, refined in bearing, full of enjoyment.

Now and then a few words of their talk fell upon her ears, and it was merry, kindly, intimate talk, the fruit of a lifetime of domestic happiness.

It made her think again of what her own home-life had been.

Such companionship of parents and children was inconceivable in her experience.