Dicky and I were not dancing, we amused ourselves by watching what was going forward, especially in observing the occupations of our superior officers. "I say, D'Arcy, who is that young lady Mr Vernon is dancing with, I wonder? She is a stunner, isn't she, my boy?" said Dicky, sidling up to me, and pointing with his chin towards a very beautiful girl, to whom our second lieutenant had just then given his hand, and was leading up to form a quadrille. There was a roseate blush on her cheek, and a brightening glance in her eye, as she looked up at the gallant officer, which betokened more than ordinary satisfaction at being chosen his partner in the dance. The colour increased, and the eyes brightened still more, while a smile played round her ruby lips, as Mr Vernon uttered, in a low tone, a few words in her ear. Dicky observed it. "I twig something there," he whispered. "What will you bet me, D'Arcy, that Mr Vernon doesn't splice that same young lady, now? It's a regular case, depend on it. I thought there was something going on, he's been so constantly on shore since we came into harbour. He's a right good fellow, and I wish him joy." "I hope, if it is a case, that he'll not marry till the ship is out of commission," I remarked. "I should be sorry indeed to lose him. But we must not talk so loud, or we shall be overheard." Just then the captain came up, to make Dicky dance with Miss Smaitch. I was left alone to watch proceedings. From what I saw, I was fully convinced that Master Sharpe's conjectures were well founded, and that Mr Vernon and the fair unknown were certainly deeply in love with each other, and most probably engaged. She certainly, as far as I could judge from mere appearance, was well worthy the love of any man. Young as I was, she made a deep impression on me; and even at this distance of time I can bring her Hebe-like figure before me, with almost the vivid colours of reality. She was not tall, but her figure was full of grace and life. Her complexion was beautifully fair; her eyes were blue; and the expression of her countenance was soft, feminine, and full of sweetness; at the same time, the arch smile which occasionally played over it showed that she was not destitute of sense and wit. While I was looking on, I was joined by Adam Stallman, one of the senior mates of the _Harold_. I have slightly mentioned him before. He was of a somewhat grave and taciturn disposition, but generous and kind, and as brave and honourable as any knight _sans peur et sans reproche_. He read much and thought more, and was ready to give good advice when asked for it; but innate modesty prevented him from volunteering to afford it, except on rare occasions, when he saw that it was absolutely necessary to preserve a person from following a path which might lead him to ruin.