"I fear it is so," said I, "and, I believe, of all habits, those of a vagrant are the most difficult to overcome. You used to laugh at me the first few months that I was here. I presume that I am a little improved, as I have not been attacked lately?" "My father says so, and is much pleased with you, Mr. Elrington, if my telling you so gives you any satisfaction." "Certainly it does, because I wish to please him." "And me, too, I hope?" "Yes, most truly, Miss Trevannion; I only wish I had it in my power to show how much I study your good opinion." "Will you risk my father's displeasure for it?" replied she, looking at me fixedly. "Yes, I will, provided--" "Oh! there is a proviso already." "I grant that there should not have been any, as I am sure that you would not ask me to do any thing which is wrong. And my proviso was, that I did not undertake what my conscience did not approve." "Your proviso was good, Mr. Elrington, for when a woman would persuade, a man should be particularly guarded that he is not led into error by a rash promise. I think, however, that we are both agreed upon the point. I will therefore, come at once to what I wish you to do. It is the intention of my father, in the course of a few days, when you shall have accomplished your year of service, to offer to take you into partnership; and I am certain it will be on liberal terms. Now I wish you to refuse his offer unless he gives up privateering." "I will do so at all risks, and I am truly glad that I have your encouragement for taking such a bold step." "I tell you frankly that he will be very indignant. There is an excitement about the privateering which has become almost necessary to him, and he cares little about the remainder of his speculations. He is so blind to the immorality to which it leads, that he does not think it is an unlawful pursuit; if he did, I am sure that he would abandon it. All my persuasion has been useless." "And if a favourite and only daughter cannot prevail, what chance have I, Miss Trevannion?"