Let the reader imagine such a proceeding with our long dresses, and, above all, in bad weather, when the ship was pitched about by storms.

But the thought that many other people are worse off, and can get on, was always the anchor of consolation to which I held; I argued with myself that I was made of the same stuff as other human beings, only spoiled and pampered, but that I could bear what they bore.

In consequence of this self-arguing, I sat down at once, tried the new sliding-ladder, and arrived below in safety.
I had first to accustom my eyes to the darkness which reigned here, the hatches being constructed to admit the light very sparingly.

I soon, however, saw too much; for all was raggedness, dirt, and disorder.

But I will describe matters in the order in which they occurred to me; for, as I flatter myself that many of my countrywomen will in spirit make this journey with me, and as many of them probably never had the opportunity of being in such a vessel, I wish to describe it to them very accurately.
All who are accustomed to the sea will testify that I have adhered strictly to the truth.