“I really have a good deal to do,” Prescott said; “I told the clerk I should be sure to return by to-night’s mail; but, as you say, I should not gain much by it, and I would very much rather stay here. So, if you really think my presence is at all essential at the meeting between yourself and Frank——” “I do think it most essential, my dear Prescott; he knows anyhow that you are his sincere friend, while he looks upon me as a despotic, savage, half-insane old man.” And so Prescott remained, and was very happy for the next three days. It was so pleasant being with Alice, walking beside her, sitting with her, and having long quiet tête-à-têtes, while Captain Bradshaw read the paper or dozed in his chair. The wind still held to the south with a little west, and was very light and uncertain, and it was not until the morning of Tuesday, as they were at breakfast, that the messenger came in to say that a vessel was just coming into the roads, with the “Tasmania’s” number flying. “Thank God!” Captain Bradshaw ejaculated, fervently; “now, Alice, finish your breakfast, my dear, and let us be off as soon as we can. The sooner we get it over the better; for I can tell you I feel as nervous as a schoolboy going up to confess a fault to his master.” It was a long row out to the “Tasmania,” and seemed to them all even longer than it really was. They were very silent. As they neared the ship, round which several other boats were already lying, while others were, like themselves, approaching her, Prescott said— “I think I can see Frank leaning over the bulwarks. I think it as well that he should not notice us until we are fairly on board. He will not know you through your veil, Miss Heathcote, and Captain Bradshaw and myself will keep our heads bent.” As they neared the ladder, Alice put her hand on her uncle’s arm. “Dear uncle, you will not be hasty whatever he says to you? Remember how he has suffered, and how unjustly.” “No, my dear; you need not be afraid; I have been too hasty already. Nothing Frank can say will be more than I know I deserve. You can trust me for once to keep my temper.” They ascended the steps, and then Prescott pointed out to them a group standing a short distance off, looking at the land. Kate had baby in her arms, while Frank was holding Charley on his shoulder. “Please wait here, and look over the side,” Prescott said, in accordance with their previously arranged plans; “while I find the captain.” They did so, and Prescott speedily found the officer. In a few words Prescott explained to him that he had come off with a gentleman and lady to see Mr. Maynard. “And a capital fellow, too,” the captain said, warmly; “one of the right sort, and no mistake, while as for his wife, she’s a trump, sir, that’s what she is; no grumbling, no discontent, takes everything as it comes, and is as cheery and as bright as if she had been accustomed to it all her life.”