"I should prefer it certainly. Why, there's no harm in smuggling, if I recollect your arguments right," replied Debriseau, smiling. "Do you remember the night that you convinced me?" "I do, very well," said McElvina; "but I have reconsidered the subject, and I have one little remark to make, which will upset the whole theory, which is, that other people acting wrong cannot be urged as an excuse for our own conduct. If it were, the world would soon be left without virtue or honesty. You may think me scrupulous; but I am sincere. Cannot you hit upon something else?" "Why, I should have no objection to command a fine merchant vessel, if I could obtain such a thing." "That you shall," replied McElvina; "and to make sure of it, and render you more independent, you shall be part owner. Consider it as _une affaire arrangee_. And now allow me to offer you the means of improving your personal appearance--I presume the leathern bag is empty?" "Bah! a long while ago. After I had lost my vessel, I made up to Mademoiselle Picardon; I thought it would not be a bad speculation--but she never forgave me kicking that dirty puppy down stairs--little beast!" "Ah! you forget some of my remarks," replied McElvina, laughing--"`Love me, love my dog.' Now oblige me by accepting this; and, Debriseau (excuse me), there's a capital barber in this street. _Au revoir_." CHAPTER FIFTY EIGHT. Under his lordship's leave, all must be mine. MIDDLETON. The first moments of leisure that McElvina could obtain from his duties were employed in writing to the vicar, informing him of the reappearance of Seymour, under such peculiar circumstances; and requesting his immediate presence, that our hero's claims to the property of Admiral de Courcy might be established. As before observed, Rainscourt was not at the castle, nor was he expected for some days, having accepted an invitation to join a shooting party some miles distant. A letter was despatched to him by his daughter, detailing the circumstances of the shipwreck, stating that the wounded officer was in the castle, and that, in consequence, until his return, Mrs McElvina would remain as her companion.