Sun. 9. [9 January 1898] Delicious warm day. Everyone appeared in
Sunday clothes according to his degree - Mr Lamont beautiful in pale
grey, the nigger in a black frock coat and a brown felt hat; Miss James
in maize and scarlet etc. Sat on deck with the Ls reading till 10.30
when there was a service in the saloon at which we all assisted. Very
short, and very hot; a rolled up flag for reading desk. Then all the
gang sat together and read till lunch. After lunch I read an article on
the Sugar bounties, then took a long walk with Sir W [Smith] on the
hurricane deck, tea all the gang, a talk with Mr L. about the islands and
a walk with Mr Berrington. After dinner we all sat on deck together and
talked till 11. The Captain sat with us for some time; even Sir W joined
the family. Very pleasant and foolish. Deliciously hot; moon and sea
and sky a vision of beauty.