An Ancient Mariner had been for some minutes standing off and on, reconnoitering Lord Ipsden; he now bore down, and with great rough, roaring cordiality, that made Lady Barbara start, cried out: “Give me your hand, sir--give me your hand, if you were twice a lord. “I couldn't speak to you till the brig was safe in port, and you slipped away, but I've brought you up at last; and--give me your hand again, sir. I say, isn't it a pity you are a lord instead of a sailor?” _Ipsden._ “But I am a sailor.” _Ancient Mariner._ “That ye are, and as smart a one as ever tied a true-lover's knot in the top; but tell the truth--you were never nearer losing the number of your mess than that day in the old _Tisbe.”_ _Lady Barb._ “The old _Tisbe!_ Oh!” _Ipsden._ “Do you remember that nice little lurch she gave to leeward as we brought her round?” _Lady Barb._ “Oh, Richard!” _Ancient Mariner._ “And that reel the old wench gave under our feet, north the pier-head. I wouldn't have given a washing-tub for her at that moment.” _Ipsden._ “Past danger becomes pleasure, sir. _Olim et hoec meminisse_--I beg your pardon, sir.” _Ancient Mariner (taking off his hat with feeling)._ “God bless ye, sir, and send ye many happy days, and well spent, with the pretty lady I see alongside; asking your pardon, miss, for parting pleasanter company--so I'll sheer off.” And away went the skipper of the _Tisbe,_ rolling fearfully. In the heat of this reminiscence, the skipper of the yacht (they are all alike, blue water once fairly tasted) had lost sight of Lady Barbara; he now looked round. Imagine his surprise! Her ladyship was in tears. “Dear Barbara,” said Lord Ipsden, “do not distress yourself on my account.” “It is not your fe-feelings I care about; at least, I h-h-hope not; but I have been so unjust, and I prided myself so on my j-ju-justice.” “Never mind!” “Oh! if you don't, I don't. I hate myself, so it is no wonder you h-hate me.” “I love you more than ever.” “Then you are a good soul! Of course you know I always--_I_--esteemed you, Richard.” “No! I had an idea you despised me!” “How silly you are! Can't you see? When I thought you were not perfection, which you are now, it vexed me to death; you never saw me affront any one but you?” “No, I never did! What does that prove?” “That depends upon the wit of him that reasons thereon.” (Coming to herself.) “I love you, Barbara! Will you honor me with your hand?” “No! I am not so base, so selfish. You are worth a hundred of me, and here have I been treating you _de haut en bas._ Dear Richard, poor Richard. Oh! oh! oh!” (A perfect flood of tears.) “Barbara! I regret nothing; this moment pays for all.” “Well, then, I will! since you keep pressing me. There, let me go; I must be alone; I must tell the sea how unjust I was, and how happy I am, and when you see me again you shall see the better side of your cousin Barbara.”