"My lord, I am quite satisfied with what you have said; and I only hope that, in future, you will not interfere with a poor smuggler, who may be striving, by a life of danger and privation, to procure subsistence for himself, and, perhaps, his family. I stated to these ladies my intention of anchoring the yacht this night at Cowes, and leaving her as soon as she was in safety. Your unexpected presence will only make this difference, which is, that I must previously obtain your lordship's assurance that those with you will allow me and my men to quit her without molestation, after we have performed this service." "I pledge you my word, Mr Pickersgill, and thank you into the bargain. I trust you will allow me to offer some remuneration." "Most certainly not, my lord." "At all events, Mr Pickersgill, if, at any other time, I can be of service, you may command me." Pickersgill made no reply. "Surely, Mr Pickersgill--" "Pickersgill! How I hate that name!" said the smuggler, musing. "I beg your lordship's pardon--If I may require your assistance for any of my unfortunate companions--" "Not for yourself, Mr Pickersgill?" said Mrs Lascelles. "Madam, I smuggle no more." "For the pleasure I feel in hearing that resolution, Mr Pickersgill," said Cecilia, "take my hand and thanks." "And mine," said Mrs Lascelles, half crying. "And mine, too," said Lord B---, rising up. Pickersgill passed the back of his hand across his eyes, turned round, and left the cabin. "I'm so happy!" said Mrs Lascelles, bursting into tears. "He's a magnificent fellow," observed Lord B---. "Come, let us all go on deck." "You have not seen my aunt, papa." "True; I'll go in to her, and then follow you." The ladies went upon deck. Cecilia entered into conversation with Mr Stewart, giving him a narrative of what had happened. Mrs Lascelles sat abaft at the taffrail, with her pretty hand supporting her cheek, looking very much _a la Juliette_. "Mrs Lascelles," said Pickersgill, "before we part, allow me to observe, that it is _you_ who have induced me to give up my profession--" "Why me, Mr Pickersgill?" "You said that you did not like it." Mrs Lascelles felt the force of the compliment. "You said just now that you hated the name of Pickersgill: why do you call yourself so?" "It was my smuggling name, Mrs Lascelles." "And now that you have left off smuggling, pray what may be the name we are to call you by?" "I cannot resume it till I have not only left this vessel, but shaken hands with, and bid farewell to my companions; and by that time, Mrs Lascelles, I shall be away from you." "But I've a great curiosity to know it; and a lady's curiosity must be gratified. You must call upon me some day, and tell it me. Here is my address." Pickersgill received the card with a low bow: and Lord B--- coming on deck, Mrs Lascelles hastened to meet him.