"Having settled my affairs to my satisfaction, I again returned to Barbadoes, where I passed ten years more without any thing material occurring; except that Johnson had the impudence to propose an alliance between me and his daughter, a girl of sixteen; but the offer was rejected with the disdain it merited. He soon after died, and I once more visited England, where some events which have happened, will most probably induce me to fix my future residence. I went to the continent about six weeks since, to settle accompts with my correspondents, whence I yesterday returned; and happy indeed do I deem myself in the discovery of this afternoon." A more minute recapitulation of incidents beguiled the time till the period of the Captain's return on board, when he parted from his friend, who promised to pass the ensuing day with him. CHAPTER II. The cheerfulness which had animated the countenance of the Captain, deserted him when he quitted the presence of Mr. Talton; a deep dejection succeeded, and the half-stifled sigh evinced the recollection of events painful to remembrance. Frederick vainly endeavoured to divert his attention, but his voice had lost its wonted influence; nor, when returned on board, was the interesting St. Ledger more successful in dispelling the saddened cloud from his brow. The Captain regarded him for some time in mournful silence, then hastily bade him good night, and retired to his cabin, whence he was summoned in the morning, on the arrival of Mr. Talton. His pallid countenance sufficiently showed how ill he had passed the night, nor could his efforts to assume a cheerful ease succeed. Mr. Talton beheld the alteration with concern, and took the occasion of his absence to ask Frederick the reason of it. "Alas, Sir," replied Frederick, "I cannot resolve your question; my uncle is frequently--nay generally dejected; but with the cause I am unacquainted." "I know," said Mr. Talton, "that early in life he experienced unhappiness from his family; yet, surely after so many years have elapsed--Yet it may: the enmity of his brother was too deeply rooted to yield to time--And shall I own my surprise at finding the son of that brother on board the Argo? Excuse my curiosity, young gentleman, but are you here with or without the knowledge and approbation of your father?" Frederick sighed. "My father, sir, knows and approves of my being here." "--Are you," said Mr. Talton, after a moment's pause, "acquainted with the cause of their quarrel!"