returned to the docks at 5:10 P. M., after eight very delightful hours in Palermo. The boatman was waiting, and the old guide went aboard with us, carrying Adelaide's great collection of fruits and flowers. During our absence we had taken on six hundred more steerage passengers, and their friends surrounded the ship, in boats. In half an hour the big ship backed out of the harbor, and pointed its nose for New York.
Monday, May 5.—I think every man believes his
"luck" is atrocious, and that he rarely gets an "even
break." But I am perfectly satisfied with what they
have done to me on the "Canada." It is a new ship
of fourteen thousand tons, and there are only fifty passengers
in the first cabin. As a result, we have plenty
of room, and the officers give us whatever we want. I
have a room to myself on the best deck, and Adelaide
has another just like it next door. Between our rooms
there is a private bath, which has been turned over
to us for good measure. On most ships the beds are
hard. On the "Canada," our beds are provided with
springs, and we have real bedsteads. I have two windows
in my room, and Adelaide has two in hers; our
bath-room is as big as a stateroom, and is provided
with a shower-bath, in addition to the usual tub. . . .
In the dining-room, we have a table to ourselves; a
small table for two, with a side electric light, in addition
to the ceiling lights. On our table twice a day
are quart bottles of red and white wine, always full.
This wine is free; it is a feature of all French boats.
