my
journey down to Liverpool, made up my mind that I would give it up. I
knew this might annoy Mr. Trevannion, and that I should have to meet
with the ridicule of Captain Levee, and I was thinking whether it were
possible, in the first place, that I could give some well-grounded
excuse; and, in the next, what other means of gaining my livelihood I
could substitute in its stead. My restlessness induced me to get up
earlier than usual, and I went out for an hour's walk upon the wharfs.
I saw my little schooner riding on the stream, and, as she gently
rose, and dipped to the swell which ran in with the tide, she looked
so beautiful that my resolutions were already giving way. I would look
at her no longer; so I turned from the river, and walked back to the
owner's house. It was still early when I went into the eating-hall,
where I found Miss Trevannion alone.

CHAPTER XII.

I state my newly-awakened scruples as to the lawfulness
of a Privateer's-man's Life to Mr. Trevannion, but
nevertheless undertake another Cruise--Save a Youth from
drowning, who he proves to be--Conflict with a French
Privateer--Take her and deliver a Prize--Return to
Liverpool--Resign the Command of the Sparrow-Hawk, and
agree to superintend Mr. Trevannion's Business.

Miss Trevannion, my dear Madam, was taller than your sex usually are,
her figure slight, and still unformed to a certain degree, but
promising perfection. Her hair was very dark, her features regular and
handsome, her complexion very pale, and her skin fair as the snow. As
she stood in silence, she reminded you of a classical antique statue,
and hardly appeared to breathe through her delicate lips, but when she
was animated with conversation, it almost reminded you of the
Promethean fire which poets state was stolen from Heaven to animate a
piece of marble. Then the colour came in her cheeks, intelligence
played on her countenance, and every thing which at first sight
appeared wanting, was, like magic, found to light up her face. Her
smiles were the sweetest I ever beheld, and one of those smiles she
bestowed upon me as I entered the room and paid her my obeisance. The
night before, I had not observed her much, I was too busy with her
father and Captain Levee, and she sat remote from the table and
distant from the light, and she never spoke but when she took my hand
and thanked me, as I mentioned before. I thought then that her voice
was like a s