It was no common experience, as was only too well known at the time.

And I may add that I for my part had not the faintest intention of falling in love on board; nay, after all these years, let me confess that I had good cause to hold myself proof against such weakness.

Yet we carried a young lady, coming home, who, God knows, might have made short work of many a better man! Eva Denison was her name, and she cannot have been more than nineteen years of age.

I remember her telling me that she had not yet come out, the very first time I assisted her to promenade the poop.

My own name was still unknown to her, and yet I recollect being quite fascinated by her frankness and self-possession.