Towards the afternoon the ship and the wind had shifted their course so that the waves dashed with thunderous roar against the iron sides of the vessel which only heaved and dipped and went steadily on its way.
A number of ladies crowded on deck, and, aided by the stewards, were safely tucked into chairs in places protected from wind and spray.

The deck stewards tempted them with broth, but they only sipped it indifferently.

These same ladies, just the day before had carried their feather-tipped heads ever so stately.

Now, alas, how had the mighty leveler laid them low! They did not now care how their gowns fitted, or whether their hats were on straight.

Any common person, not afflicted with sea-sickness, could have criticised their attitude in the chairs.
One became so indifferent to correct appearances that she slid from her chair on to the deck, where she undignifiedly sprawled.