In the meantime it was dark; the cutter flew along the coast, and the Needles' lights were on the larboard bow. The conversation between Mrs. Lascelles, Cecilia, and her father was long. When all had been detailed, and the conduct of Pickersgill duly represented, Lord B. acknowledged that, by attacking the smuggler, he had laid himself open to retaliation; that Pickersgill had shown a great deal of forbearance in every instance; and after all, had he not gone on board the yacht, she might have been lost, with only three seamen on board. He was amused with the smuggling and the fright of his sister, still more with the gentlemen being sent to Cherbourg, and much consoled that he was not the only one to be laughed at. He was also much pleased with Pickersgill's intention of leaving the yacht safe in Cowes harbour, his respect to the property on board, and his conduct to the ladies. On the whole, he felt grateful to Pickersgill, and where there is gratitude there is always goodwill. 'But who can he be?' said Mrs. Lascelles; 'his name he acknowledges not to be Pickersgill, and he told me confidentially that he was of good family.' 'Confidentially, my dear Mrs. Lascelles?' said Lord B. 'Oh, yes! we are both his confidants. Are we not, Cecilia?' 'Upon my honour, Mrs. Lascelles, this smuggler appears to have made an impression which many have attempted in vain.' Mrs. Lascelles did not reply to that remark, but said, 'Now, my lord, you must decide--and I trust you will, to oblige us, treat him as he has treated us, with the greatest respect and kindness.' 'Why should you suppose otherwise?' replied Lord B.; 'it is not only my wish but my interest so to do. He may take us over to France to-night, or anywhere else. Has he not possession of the vessel?' 'Yes,' replied Cecilia; 'but we flatter ourselves that we have _the command_. Shall we call him down, papa?' 'Ring for Maddox. Maddox, tell Mr. Pickersgill, who is on deck, that I wish to speak with him, and shall be obliged by his stepping down into the cabin.' 'Who, my lord? What? _Him?_' 'Yes, _him_,' replied Cecilia, laughing. 'Must I call him my lord, now, miss?' 'You may do as you please, Maddox; but recollect he is still in possession of the vessel,' replied Cecilia. 'Then, with your lordship's permission, I will; it's the safest way.' The smuggler entered the cabin; the ladies started as he appeared in his rough costume. With his throat open, and his loose black handkerchief, he was the _beau ideal_ of a handsome sailor. 'Your lordship wishes to communicate with me?' 'Mr. Pickersgill, I feel that you have had cause of enmity against me, and that you have behaved with forbearance. I thank you for your considerate treatment of the ladies; and I assure you that I feel no resentment for what has passed.'