"I agree in all you say, Mrs B," rejoined her husband, rubbing his hands and laughing; "and as I am eighteen hundred pounds the richer, or, let me see, in three years, with the addition of their voyages and dress, the cost of sending them home would have amounted to three thousand or more. I do not complain, I assure you." The young officers listened with surprise, and not a little amusement, at this eulogium on the young ladies, and the accompanying remarks-- uttered they believed correctly without any ulterior object. It gave them some idea of the expense to which West Indian parents were put for the education of their girls, of which they before had no conception. "Faith! more than double a lieutenant's pay," ejaculated Terence, as he was turning in at night. "If he would make that allowance to Fanny, the eldest of the three, I'd do my best to win her before the ship sails. I can't stand it, Jack. I must either stay aboard and do duty for Cherry, or never set eyes on these houris again, or knock under to one or the other." "`There's luck in odd numbers, says Rory O'More,'" answered Jack, from his side of the room. "You divided your attention very fairly among the young ladies, and depend on it they will as easily forget us as we shall get them out of our heads, by the time we have been a few days at sea; so don't bother yourself about the matter, Paddy, but go to sleep." Whether or not Terence followed his advice Jack could not tell, for he himself very soon went off into a sound slumber. The house was astir at daybreak, and not long after the white dresses and broad-brimmed straw hats of the young ladies were seen in the garden amid the fragrant flowers, with glittering humming-birds and gorgeous butterflies, flitting about in all directions. The lieutenants speedily joined them. Jack's wise resolutions were almost overcome. He had made up his mind to take leave after breakfast. They looked so bright and happy; the air was so fresh, the flowers so sweet. He and Terence could not fail to spend a pleasant day, but then he remembered Murray, who would be anxiously looking for their return. "Then you'll come again soon, Mr Adair, if Mr Rogers thinks you must go now," said Fanny, with a strong emphasis on the must, and a gentle sigh. "You will always be welcome at Saint David's," added Mr Bradshaw. "And tell Lieutenant Murray that I will let him know should I hear anything about the _Sarah Jane_. I may possibly get information which might not reach him."