He drew off from the vessel and swore he would not embark me till I paid it.

A young man, the steward as I found afterwards, was looking over the ship's side; he grinned a smile in anticipation of the coming contest; to disappoint him, I paid the money.

Three times that afternoon I had given crowns where I should have given shillings; but I consoled myself with the reflection, "It is the price of experience." "They've cheated you!" said the steward exultingly when I got on board.
I answered phlegmatically that "I knew it," and went below.
A stout, handsome, and showy woman was in the ladies' cabin.

I asked to be shown my berth; she looked hard at me, muttered something about its being unusual for passengers to come on board at that hour, and seemed disposed to be less than civil.

What a face she had--so comely--so insolent and so selfish! "Now that I am on board, I shall certainly stay here," was my answer.
"I will trouble you to show me my berth." She complied, but sullenly.