one o'clock
Could men with such vacuous grins , such an air of imbecile good-nature , be capable of acting wisely in any terrible crisis ? -- could they have nerve and readiness , quickness , decision , all those grand qualites which are needed by the seaman who has to contend with the fury of the elements ? Mr. Smithson and his guests had breakfasted too late for the possibility of luncheon . They were in Cowes Roads by one o'clock . A fleet of yachts had arrived during their absence , and the scene was full of life and gaiety . Lady Lesbia held a _ levée _ at the afternoon tea , and had a crowd of her old admirers around her -- adorers whose presence in no wise disturbed Horace Smithson 's peace . He would have been content that his wife should go through life with a herd of such worshippers following in her footsteps .