‘Oh, I don’t know. Some one on board might recognise me--and I would rather not. I don’t wish any one to know.’ ‘Have you seen the list of passengers?’ ‘Yes,’ she said, with a shudder. The young officer noticed the shudder. ‘Well, then, come on the quarter-deck at night, and no one will see you, especially if you put on a veil. But do come! You will be ill if you remain here. And then when it is not my watch I shall be able to sit by you and talk to you and cheer you up. Will you promise to come?’ ‘Yes. I will go with Maggie to-night, if I am well enough.’ ‘And I will leave you now, because you have had enough of me, and the passengers are coming down to their dinner.’ He took her slender hand within his own. ‘God bless you, Iris! Remember, you are not friendless any longer.’ For the first time, then, she raised her eyes and looked well at him. His were regarding her steadfastly. Over his manly features a great veil of tenderness seemed to have drawn itself, and his sensitive mouth was quivering with emotion. He was looking at her as we gaze at a wounded animal, or a dying infant, with infinite compassion, and a strong desire to relieve and protect. And at that moment, how Iris longed for his protection. ‘Oh, you are _good_!’ she cried suddenly. ‘I am not afraid of you. I will trust you, and some day I will tell you _all_!’ ‘You have made me happier than I can say,’ replied Vernon, as he laid a reverent kiss upon her hand, and turned away. As he found himself on deck again, he could have sung aloud for joy. The desire of his heart was accomplished! He had found her again--she would allow him to befriend her--above all, she was _free_! This secret love of his life, whom he had believed lost to him for ever, was actually by his side, and at liberty to be wooed, and perhaps won! His pulses galloped as he thought of it. His brain whirled. He was capable of committing any extravagance. His mind ran riot, and sped away to the time when he should again tell Iris that he loved her, and hear her lips confess that he had won her at last. Oh! if the chance ever presented itself, he would never, _never_ let her go until she had promised to reward his patient love by becoming his wife. And just as he thought this, and sprang up the companion, he came face to face with Alice Leyton! ‘Hullo, Jack!’ she exclaimed, ‘what have you been doing to yourself? Your face is as red as a turkey cock!’ ‘I think I might return the compliment,’ he said, as he watched her blushing cheeks. ‘But I can’t stay, Alice, I have some duty to attend to.’ ‘You _must_ stay!’ cried the young lady imperiously. ‘I have something to say to you. I’ve been making love to the captain--_awful_ love. Now, don’t get jealous, Jack.’ ‘If I did _that_ every time you flirted with another fellow, Alice, I might play Blue Beard all day long,’ remarked her lover.