How Reggie Saw the Sphinx by Nina Rhoades

The Cunard steamer, _Caronia_, had left Naples, and was making her way through a high sea, across the Mediterranean to Alexandria. It was very rough, and before they had left Naples harbor far behind, most of the passengers who were not proof against seasickness had retired to their cabins. Reggie's mother, who was a very poor sailor indeed, had been one of the first ladies to disappear from the deck, and she had been speedily followed by Reggie's nurse, Ellen. Reggie himself had never felt better in his life, but he had really tried to be sympathetic.

"I suppose you can't help it," he remarked in a puzzled tone, as he stood in the doorway of the cabin he shared with Ellen, and regarded the maid, who lay prone upon her bed, the picture of misery and despair. "It does seem very queer, though; I can't see what makes people feel that way."