W. Pett Ridge

“ The concert party was so busily engaged in packing up that Moorgate was unable to get within speaking distance of Miss Carr. Words of admiration cannot with convenience be shouted into a cabin occupied by (in addition to one's heart's desire) a matronly contralto and a number of bags and things. All that young Mr. Moorgate could do was to give the deck steward a letter. ”

“ The Lucania was within a few hours of bumping against the tender at Liverpool. Folk were on deck who had not been on deck since the start, and were guessing the time still to be occupied with some want of luck. Certain people are altogether at sea when they are on board ship.
"I must finish packing up," said Miss Carr.
"There is no hurry," urged Mr. Moorgate.
"There will be if I don't begin at once. Madame Welby—she's the contralto, you know, in our concert party—she began to pack up soon after we left New York. ”

“ It's about an engagement."
"What shall you sing?"
"I think I shall wait and see."
"Have you got an accompanist?"
"Yes. I think the accompanist is pretty safe. What did you wear when you were married, Welby?" ”