It was indeed very pleasant traveling up the Nile by steamer, strolling the deck or relaxing and taking tea while views of the desert and the everyday life on the river and its surrounding banks passed by us, and stopping at regular intervals to be impressed by exquisitely preserved temples and archaeological finds. The days were bright and warm and golden and new and the evenings lazy and equally happy. We were fortunate to have been in the company of an agreeable set of travelers on the Rosetta and not in so large a number in comparison to the size of the steamer as to make the accommodations and journey feel crowded. The situation really could not be faulted for nearly driving Charley—nursing her secret sorrows, straining for freedom—mad. She was smiling and engaging enough in company,
