It was a day of unflecked beauty.

The decks were gay with people, some walking, some leaning idly on the rail, some sitting with books in their hands.

A few were reading, but most sat with finger in closed book.

Why bother to read _about_ life when it could be seen so full and interesting all around.
A day on ship-board is longer than one on shore, and provision must be made to pass it pleasantly.

If the weather is fair, this is quite a problem.