When Irma went inside she found a discontented crowd gathered in passageways and in the library. Loud were the complaints that greeted her of the company's cruelty in omitting dinner.
"We went ashore without even our usual afternoon tea, and no one had time to think of food at Gibraltar."
Irma held out her basket. "A fairy godfather visited me," she said, "but I really do not know just what he gave me. Come, share it with me."
Aunt Caroline looked surprised; Uncle Jim gave an expressive whistle, while even on Marion's face was an expression of curiosity.
"I do not even know what is in the basket," repeated Irma, "though the fairy godfather said it held fruit and cakes."
"I should say so," exclaimed Uncle Jim lifting the cover. "What fruit! And that cake looks as if it had been made in Paris. Just now these are much more attractive than those spangled scarfs I wrestled for with that Hindu. By the way, Irma, are these for show or use? They look too good to eat."
"I'd be more eager to eat if I knew the name of the fairy godfather."
"This feast will dull our appetites for the nine o'clock rarebit," interposed Uncle Jim, who had made a test of the basket's contents.
"I am sure a fairy godfather wouldn't use poison," and Aunt Caroline followed Uncle Jim's example.
When Irma turned to offer the basket to Marion, he had left the group.
"Poor boy," exclaimed Aunt Caroline. "He told me he felt very faint. It seems he had little luncheon. Perhaps we shall find him in the dining saloon."
But when they descended to the dining saloon, Marion was not there, nor did they see him again that night. Yet, if she could not share the old gentleman's gift with Marion, Irma found Muriel most grateful for a portion. For some time the two girls sat together at one end of the long table, comparing notes about Gibraltar. They stayed together so late, indeed, that just before the lights were put out Aunt Caroline appeared.
"Why, Irma, my dear, after this exciting day I should think you would need rest earlier than usual."
"Perhaps so, Aunt Caroline. But the day has been so exciting that I cannot feel sleepy."
"It has grown foggy," said Aunt Caroline, as they went to their room. "I do not like fog, and I am glad that we have but two or three more nights at sea."