me, and,
overpowered by my feelings, I sank upon a settee in the ante-room, in
a state of giddy stupor. I know not how long I remained there, for my
head turned and my senses reeled; but I was aroused from it by the
heavy tread of Mr. Trevannion, who came along the corridor without a
light, and not perceiving me, opened the door of the sitting-room
where his daughter still remained. He threw the door too after he had
entered, but it did not quite close, leaving a narrow stream of light
through the ante-room.

"Father," said Miss Trevannion in my hearing, "you look warm and
excited."

"I have reason so to be," replied Mr. Trevannion, abruptly.

"I have heard from Mr. Elrington the cause of it," replied Miss
Trevannion; "that is, I have heard his version of it. I am glad that
you have come back, as I am most anxious to hear yours. What has Mr.
Elrington said or done to cause such irritation and his dismissal?"

"He has behaved with insolence and ingratitude," replied Mr.
Trevannion; "I offered him partnership, and he refused, unless I would
give up privateering."

"So he stated; but in what manner was he insolent to you?"

"Insolent!--told me that he acted from conscientious motives, which
was as much as to say that I did not."

"Was his language very offensive?"

"No, not his language--that was respectful enough; but it was the very
respect which made it insolent. So I told him that as he could not,
from scruples of conscience, join me in privateering, of course his
scruples of conscience could not allow him to keep the books, and I
dismissed him."

"Do you mean to say, my dear father, that he, in a respectful manner,
declined entering into partnership from these scruples which you
mention; that he gave you no other offence than expressing his
opinion, and declining your offer?"

"And what would you have more?" replied Mr. Trevannion.

"I wish to know where was the insult, the ingratitude, on his part
which you complain of?"

"Simply in refusing the offer. He ought to have felt grateful, and he
was not; and he had no right to give such reasons as he did; for the
reasons were condemning my actions. But you women cannot understand
these things."

"I rather think, my dear father, that we cannot; for I cannot perceive
either the insult or the ingratitude which you complain of, and such I
think will be your own opinion when you have had time to reflect, and
are more cool. Mr. Elrington expressed nothing more