At six they started.  Robert went first with the big boxes, having his ten pounds already in his pocket,—­and Marie and Didon with smaller luggage followed in a second cab.  No one interfered with them and nothing went wrong.  The very civil man at Euston Square gave them their tickets, and even attempted to speak to them in French.  They had quite determined that not a word of English was to be spoken by Marie till the ship was out at sea.  At the station they got some very bad tea and almost uneatable food,—­but Marie’s restrained excitement was so great that food was almost unnecessary to her.  They took their seats without any impediment,—­and then they were off.

During a great part of the journey they were alone, and then...