'All this is new to me.

I thought he was drowned, when the Hooghley went ashore.
Anyhow, Mrs.Holland, I honour you for making this journey, just on the off chance of hearing something of your husband, and you may be sure I will do all I can to make the voyage a pleasant one for you.' "So you see, we shall start favourably, Dick; for the captain can do a great deal towards adding to the comfort of a passenger.

When it is known, by the purser and steward, that a lady is under the special care of the captain, it ensures her a larger share of civility, and special attentions, than she might otherwise obtain." As soon as they went on board, indeed, the captain came up to them.
"Good morning, Mrs.Holland," he said.

"You have done quite right to come on board early.

It gives you a chance of being attended to, before the stewards are being called for by twenty people at once." He beckoned to a midshipman.
"Mr.Hart, please tell the purser I wish to speak to him.
"So this is your son, Mrs.Holland?
A fine, straight-looking young fellow.