and youth, as well as good courage, fought for Josephine St. Auban,
as well as good sense and a philosophy of travel learned by
experiences in other lands. If indeed she had not slept, at least
her face did not betray that fact. Her color was good, her eye was
clear. Her dark hair, brushed low over the temples in the fashion
of the day, was fresh and glossy. Moreover, her habiliments were
such as to cause most of the feminine occupants of the boat to make
careful note, when she had accepted Carlisle's escort and entered
the dining-room. She walked with calmness to the table reserved
for her, and with inclination of the head thanked him as he
arranged her chair for her. Thus in a way the gauntlet was by both
thrown down to all present.

Most of those present without hesitation showed their interest.
The hum of the dingy tables slackened and ceased. A score of women
frowned at a score of men whose glances wandered undutifully. Who
was she, and what? That question certainly passed in the minds of
most in the crowded little room. Meantime, Josephine St. Auban's
own eyes were not unregardful.

"I see that my guess was quite correct," she said at length,
smiling full at her guardian.

At once he caught her thought. "Oh, about Mr. Dunwody," he
assented, assuming a carelessness which she read through at once.
"Yes, I met him--a while ago. He told me he had suddenly decided
to change his plans and take the Vernon down the river, instead of
going by stage. Very natural of him, too, I should say. I would
be much distressed to think of myself traveling by coach, even in
weather pleasant as this. He has keen eyes, though, has he not?"