This is Mrs.Van Stuyler, who has taken me under her protection on my journey to Europe." His lordship returned the bow of a tall, somewhat hard-featured matron who looked dignified even in the somewhat nondescript costume which most of the ladies were wearing.

But her eyes were kindly, and he said: "Very pleased to meet, Mrs.Van Stuyler.

I heard you were coming, and I was in hopes of catching you on the other side before you left.

And now, if you will excuse me, I must go and have a chat with the Skipper." He raised his cap again and presently vanished from the curious eyes of the excited crowd, through the door of the Captain's apartment.
Captain Hawkins closed the door of his sitting-room as he entered, and said: "Now, my Lord, I'm not going to ask you any questions to begin with, because if I once began I should never stop; and besides, perhaps you'd like to have your own say right away." "Perhaps that will be the shortest way," said his lordship.

"The fact is, we've not only the remains of this Boer business on our hands, but we've had what is practically a declaration of war from France and Russia.