This was the first time since his ownership of her that the Seabird had carried lady passengers.

His friend Grantham, an old school and college chum, was a hard working barrister, and Virtue had proposed to him to take a month's holiday on board the Seabird.
"Put aside your books, old man," he said.

"You look fagged and overworked; a month's blow will do you all the good in the world." "Thank you, Tom; I have made up my mind for a month's holiday, but I can't accept your invitation, though I should enjoy it of all things.
But it would not be fair to my wife; she doesn't get very much of my society, and she has been looking forward to our having a run together.
So I must decline." Virtue hesitated a moment.

He was not very fond of ladies' society, and thought them especially in the way on board a yacht; but he had a great liking for his friend's wife, and was almost as much at home in his house as in his own chambers.
"Why not bring the wife with you ?" he said, as soon as his mind was made up.

"It will be a nice change for her too; and I have heard her say that she is a good sailor.