Then he began to watch the weather as eagerly as if the ship's speed and safety had depended on his care.

Every day he went, the moment the notice was put up, to see what progress they had made since the day before, and, according as their rate of movement was slower or faster, his day and night were serene or disturbed.
The number of passengers was small.

With what there were he soon formed the kind of acquaintance which people shut up together for a certain time generally make with each other.

Everybody was eager for the conclusion of the voyage, for the weather, though on the whole fine, was intensely cold, and only the bravest or hardiest could venture to spend much time on deck.

Down below every device for killing time was in requisition; but in spite of all, the question, "When shall we reach New York ?" was discussed over and over again; and each indication of their voyage being by a few hours shorter than they had a right to expect, was hailed with the greatest delight.
One day when they were really near the end of their voyage, Maurice and a fellow-passenger, a young man of about his own age, were walking briskly up and down the deck, trying to keep themselves warm, and talking of Canada, to which they were both bound.