It is easily earned repetition to state that Josephine St.Auban's was a presence not to be concealed.

Even such a boat as the Mount Vernon offered a total deck space so cramped as to leave secrecy or privacy well out of the question, even had the motley and democratic assemblage of passengers been disposed to accord either.

Yet there was something in the appearance of this young woman and her companion which caused all the heterogeneous groups of humanity to make way for them, as presently they approached the gang-plank.
Apparently they were not unexpected.

The ship's clerks readily led the way to apartments which had been secured in advance.

Having seen to the luggage of his charges, whom he disposed in a good double state-room, the leader of the party repaired to his own quarters.