On that day practically all sea-sickness had gone.

The vacant places at the tables were being filled and the company looked around at each other with pleasant contentment.

The steamship company no longer saved on the provisions.

The chatty old gentleman at Chester's right was back again after a short absence, and the power of speech had come to the demure lady on his left, with the return of her appetite.
Two places opposite Chester were still vacant at the table.

That day as the crowd hastily answered the dinner gong, Chester, being a little tardy, encountered an elderly man and what appeared to be his daughter making their way slowly down the companionway towards the dining room.
Chester saw at a glance that neither of them was strong, but both tried to appear able and were bound to help each other.