ng and waving me
from her, she continued:

"Already too much of this--let me die by cruelty rather than by
caresses, which are the worst of cruelty. I feel a new spirit living
within me. I am a child no more. Yesterday I should have crouched
before you, as one degraded, as I ought to do. You have pressed me to
your bosom--you have spoken to me as your equal--even your tears have
bathed my brow. You have ennobled me. Oh! it is a happiness and a
great glory. I, formerly so humble, command you to go--go, dear, dear,
Ralph. You will not kill me quite by going _now_, therefore, be
generous, and go."

I was already sufficiently in love, and began to feel ashamed of myself;
for not having as yet caught a little of her enthusiasm.

"Josephine," said I, in a quiet, serious tone, "give me your hand." I
took it--it was deadly cold. At that moment all her best blood was
rallying round her young heart. I led her to the open window, and
showed her the noble frigate so hateful to her sight, and said, "Dear
Josephine, in that ship there are more than three hundred gallant
fellows, all of whom are my countrymen, and some of them my familiar
friends. I have often shared with them danger, under the very jaws of
death. I have broken my bread with some of them, constantly, for nearly
three years. These are all claims on me: you see that I am speaking to
you calmly. I had no idea what a little impassioned orator you were--do
not look so dejected and so humble. I love you for it the more. I only
made the remark to convince you that what I now say is not the mere
prompting of a transient impulse. But, Josephine, in my own far-away
land, I have also a few friends; nor am I wholly a castaway; there is a
mystery about my origin, which I wish to dissipate, yet that I cherish.
If I conduct myself as I have hitherto done, in time I shall have the
sole control and government of a vessel, as proud as the one before you,
and of all the noble spirits it will contain. The mystery of which I
have spoken I am most sanguine will be cleared up; and I may,
peradventure, one day take my place among the nobles of my land, as it
now is among the nobles of the sea. Weep not thus, my love, or you will
infect me with emotions too painful to be borne. Let us be calm for a
little space. The reign of passion will commence soon enough. Mark me,
Josephine. For you--God forgive me if I commit sin!--for you, I cast
off my associates, sever all m