"You raise yourself in my opinion by saying so," replied Susan; "although it is painful to me to condemn a practice which impeaches my father. Your courage and talents may be better applied. Thank God, that it is all over." "But, Susan, you said that you hoped to have better health. Have you not been well?" "Not very ill," replied Susan; "but I have had a good deal of anxiety. The loss of the vessel,--your capture,--has affected my father, and, of course, has worried me." The discourse was now interrupted by old Hornblow, who had returned home to his dinner. He received McElvina in the most friendly manner, and they sat down to table. After dinner, McElvina entered into a minute detail of all that had occurred, and, as far as he was concerned, with a modesty which enhanced his meritorious conduct. Susan listened to the narrative with intense interest; and as soon as it was over, retired to her room, leaving old Hornblow and McElvina over their bottle. "Well, McElvina, what do you mean to do with yourself?" said the old man. "You know that Susan has at last persuaded me into retiring from business. I have just concluded the purchase of a little property near the seaside, about seven miles from the village of --- in Norfolk--it adjoins the great Rainscourt estate. You know that part of the coast." "Very well, sir; there is a famous landing-place there, on the Rainscourt estate. It was formerly the property of Admiral De Courcy." "Ah! we don't mean to smuggle any more, so that's no use. I should not have known that it was near the Rainscourt property, only they inserted it in the particulars of sale, as an advantage; though I confess I do not see any particular advantage in a poor man living too near a rich one. But answer my question--what are you going to do with yourself? If I can assist you, McElvina, I will." "I do not intend to go to sea any more." "No! what then? I suppose you would like to marry, and settle on shore? Well, if I can assist you, McElvina, I will." "You could, indeed, assist me there, sir." "Oh! Susan, I suppose. Nay, don't colour up; I've seen it long enough, and if I had not meant that it should be so, I should have put an end to it before. You are an honest man, McElvina, and I know nobody to whom I would give my girl sooner than to you." "You have, indeed, removed a weight from my mind, sir, and I hardly know how to express my thanks to you for your good wishes; but I have yet to obtain your daughter's consent." "I know you have; you cannot expect that she will anticipate your wishes as I have done. But as I wish this business to be decided at once, I shall send her down to you, and I'll take a walk in the mean time. All I can say is, that if she says she has no mind to you, don't you believe her, for I know better." "Susan!" said old Hornblow, going to the door. "Yes, father." "Come down, my dear, and stay with Captain McElvina. I am obliged to go out."