"We will have the same party on shore, and see if we can't enjoy ourselves almost as well," he said in his hearty way; "the novel will go all the better for it, eh, Vaughan ?" Derrick brightened visibly at the suggestion.

I heard him talking to Freda all the time that Sir John stood laughing and joking as to the comparative pleasures of yachting and shooting.
"You will be there too ?" Derrick asked.
"I can't tell," said Freda, and there was a shade of sadness in her tone.

Her voice was deeper than most women's voices--a rich contralto with something striking and individual about it.

I could hear her quite plainly; but Derrick spoke less distinctly--he always had a bad trick of mumbling.
"You see I am the youngest," she said, "and I am not really 'out.' Perhaps my mother will wish one of the elder ones to go; but I half think they are already engaged for September, so after all I may have a chance." Inaudible remark from my friend.
"Yes, I came here because my sisters did not care to leave London till the end of the season," replied the clear contralto.

"It has been a perfect cruise.