Quest stirred it thoughtfully.
"And as to the custom," Mrs.Foston Rowe continued, "of serving gentlemen before ladies, it is, I suppose, peculiar to this steamer." Quest hastily laid down his spoon, raised the cup of bouillon and presented it with a little bow to his neighbour.
"Pray allow me, madam," he begged.

"The steward was to blame." Mrs.Foston Rowe did not hesitate for a moment.

She broke up some toast in the bouillon and commenced to sip it.
"Your politeness will at least teach them a lesson," she said.

"I am used to travel by the P.& O.and from what I have seen of this steamer--" The spoon suddenly went clattering from her fingers.

She caught at the sides of the table, there was a strange look in her face.