“You could not speak with more accuracy,” returned the young sailor, with a look that sent the conscious blood to the temples of the lady, “though you had made marine terms your study.” “The profession requires less thought, perhaps, than you imagine, sir; but is this towing often done, as Captain Borroughcliffe--I beg his pardon--as the monks have it, sub silentio?” “Spare me, fair lady,” cried the captain, “and we will establish a compact of mutual grace; you to forgive my learning, and I to suppress my suspicions.” “Suspicions, sir, is a word that a lady must defy.” “And defiance a challenge that a soldier can never receive; so I must submit to talk English, though the fathers of the church were my companions. I suspect that Miss Plowden has it in her power to explain the manner of Mr. Christopher Dillon's departure.” The lady did not reply, but a second burst of merriment succeeded, of a liveliness and duration quite equal to the former. “How's this?” exclaimed the colonel; “permit me to say, Miss Plowden, your mirth is very extraordinary! I trust no disrespect has been offered to my kinsman? Mr. Griffith, our terms are, that the exchange shall only be made on condition that equally good treatment has been extended to the parties!” “If Mr. Dillon can complain of no greater evil than that of being laughed at by Miss Plowden, sir, he has reason to call himself a happy fellow.” “I know not, sir; God forbid that I should forget what is due to my guests, gentlemen!--but ye have entered my dwelling as foes to my prince.” “But not to Colonel Howard, sir.” “I know no difference, Mr. Griffith. King George or Colonel Howard--Colonel Howard or King George. Our feelings, our fortunes, and our fate, are as one; with the mighty odds that Providence has established between the prince and his people! I wish no other fortune than to share, at an humble distance, the weal or woe of my sovereign!” “You are not called upon, dear sir, to do either, by the thoughtlessness of us ladies,” said Cecilia, rising; “but here comes one who should turn our thoughts to a more important subject--our dress.”