They were leaning upon the rail at the stern of the ship, which was going with what little wind there was, and a following sea, with which, as it plunged down the long slopes of the waves, the vessel seemed to be running a victorious race.

The sea was a deep sapphire, and in the wake the sunlight turned the broken water to vivid emerald.

The air was of a caressing softness, and altogether it was a day and scene of indescribable beauty and inspiration.

For a while there was silence between them, which John broke at last.
"I suppose," he said, "that one would best show his appreciation of all this by refraining from the comment which must needs be comparatively commonplace, but really this is so superb that I must express some of my emotion even at the risk of lowering your opinion of my good taste, provided, of course, that you have one." "Well," she said, laughing, "it may relieve your mind, if you care, to know that had you kept silent an instant longer I should have taken the risk of lowering your opinion of my good taste, provided, of course, that you have one, by remarking that this was perfectly magnificent." "I should think that this would be the sort of day to get Mr.Carling on deck.

This air and sun would brace him up," said John.
She turned to him with a laugh, and said: "That is the general opinion, or was two hours ago; but I'm afraid it's out of the question now, unless we can manage it after luncheon." "What do you mean ?" he asked with a puzzled smile at the mixture of annoyance and amusement visible in her face.