He went down to the Docks to secure berths in the vessel about to sail the next day, and on his return he took Maggie out to make the requisite purchases.
"Did you pay for us, sir ?" said Maggie, anxious to ascertain the amount of money she had left, after defraying the passage.
"Yes," replied he, rather confused.

"Erminia begged me not to tell you about it, but I can't manage a secret well.

You see she did not like the idea of your going as steerage-passengers as you meant to do; and she desired me to take you cabin places for her.

It is no doing of mine, my dear.

I did not think of it; but now I have seen how crowded the steerage is, I am very glad Erminia had so much thought.