Our companions on that voyage were very dull.

I have forgotten most of them, but one lady I do remember.

I imagine that she must have commenced life as a barmaid, for she had the orthodox tow hair and blowsy appearance.

At any rate, she was the wife of a wine-merchant who had made a fortune at the Cape.

Unhappily, however, she had contracted too great a liking for her husband's wares, and after dinner was apt to become talkative.