a cruise for a few
weeks, and that, at the end of the time, he would come back for his
midshipmen. He was able, however, to remain at anchor two or three
days, and, as will be supposed, he spent most of his time on shore in
Lady Sophy's company. No one could watch the two without agreeing that
they were admirably matched. She, gentle and intelligent, and
affectionate; he, frank and brave, and open-hearted in his manner and
bearing. He was known, too, as a just, brave, high-spirited officer,
and a _very_ first-rate seaman, and more than that, to be a God-fearing
and religious man.

The two midshipmen, it should have been remarked, when last at Jamaica,
had passed their examination, which gave them the rank of masters'
mates, as they were called in those days. They had been for some time
on shore when, a mail arriving, the Earl presented Denham with a long
official-looking letter. Denham eagerly opened it. His heart beat
quicker than usual; the colour rose to his cheeks, and his eyes beamed
with pleasure, for he found that the document announced his being raised
to the rank of lieutenant. The Earl seemed to be aware of the fact, and
soon after addressed him as "Lieutenant Denham."

"But has not Barry also got his promotion?" asked Denham, looking at his
friend.

"Yes," answered Barry, "I am a lieutenant too, but I do not feel as you
do, because I am sure I have not deserved it. You have done all sorts
of gallant things, and I have done nothing."

The Earl laughed.

"Well," he said, "provided those who deserve promotion obtain it, the
Admiralty do not object to raise a few who have less to boast of."

"But I am sure you would have done all sorts of gallant things if you
had had the opportunity," said Lady Nora, turning to her brother with a
smile.

"I hope this will not remove me from the _Cynthia_," said Denham; "I
should indeed be sorry to quit Captain Falkner and my old shipmates."

"I think not," answered the Earl. "From what I hear from the Admiral
who writes to me on the subject, the first lieutenant of the _Cynthia_
has been promoted, and another officer has left the ship, so that you
two will get the vacancies. I hope in the course of another month or so
she will return from Jamaica, and that Barry will rejoin her with
renewed health."

The father's hope buoyed him up, while Denham could not help
acknowledging that he saw his friend every day growing weaker and
weaker. It was evident that th