But if this Vesta of the sea was all sufficient unto herself,—her admirer was no longer independent of her. She had revealed to him a phase of character as attractive, as fascinating, as it was novel and unparalleled! Compared with the vapid, insipid, insincere butterflies of fashion, this Barbara Brande was so full of vital force, of truth, courage, independence, and self-reliance! To crown all, she was a real and thoroughly conscientious Christian. He could not choose but think of her, and the longer he reflected, the more he approved and admired her. Leaving Almacks at an early hour, he went to Gerard’s to seek Lord Montressor, whom he found busily engaged in writing. “Ah, you are occupied. I will not disturb you.” “No—only writing to Slater, my bailiff, at Montressor; I have done now,” said his lordship, rapidly folding, directing, and sealing the letter. “Now I am at your service.” Lord Dazzleright threw himself into a chair, and cast his hat into a corner. “What is it? What can I do for you, Dazzleright?” “You are going on board to-morrow. You are in the confidence of Miss Brande. You will be in her company for some two or three months. Just use that opportunity to impress upon her rather hard head, that your friend Dazzleright is a well-meaning man, not utterly unworthy of her consideration, even if he _has_ had the misfortune to be successful in life!” “Why?” “Because if ever I marry a woman—her name will be Barbara Brande!” “EH!” “If ever I marry a woman her name will be Barbara Brande.” “You are mad!” “Just what she said! But—if ever I marry a woman, her name will be Barbara Brande! Now I will tell you what I want you to do—just let her know in a delicate manner, that I am an honest man, who, in spite of his coronet, is not totally beneath her notice.” “Prove that to her yourself in person.” “Ahem! I think I see her giving me the opportunity! My friend, as long as I keep a _very_ respectful distance, and merely touch my hat on meeting her, Miss Brande treats me with the same decent civility that she accords to the boatmen, hucksters and porters of the Docks. But just as soon as I presume to advance and aspire to a higher degree of consideration, she puts me down as quietly as though I were the Tom, Dick or Harry aforesaid. And when I gave her to understand the honesty of my ‘intentions,’ as the dowagers would say—she told me I was mad.” “Miss Brande was right in repulsing you. What has the all-accomplished, all-praised Baron Dazzleright in common with that free, wild, irresponsible maiden of the ocean?” “What?—nothing at all, of course! And that is the very reason why he wants her, and why he must have her as the complement of himself. Every quality of Barbara’s nature will become a new possession to me.” “But the difference of rank——”