You must admit the provocation, Elrington," said Captain Levee.

"Well, go on, Philip."

"'Indeed,' said Mr. Trevannion, in a great passion; 'well, then, I
will soon rid myself of the obligation. Call this afternoon, Master
Philip, and you shall receive your wages. You may now quit the room.'

"I did so, and put my hat a-cock to annoy him."

"So far his narrative is quite correct," said Captain Levee;--"now go
on."

"Well," said Philip, "instead of turning out of the house, I turned
into it, and went to the young lady's sitting-room. I opened the door
softly, and found her with her hand up to her head, looking very
sedate and sorrowful. 'Master Philip,' said she, 'you startled me; I
am glad to see you--when did you arrive?'

"'This morning, Miss Trevannion.'

"'Well, sit down, and bear me company for a time. Have you seen your
brother?'

"'I have, Miss Trevannion,' replied I, still remaining on my feet,
'and I have just seen your father. I come now to bid you farewell. I
have left the privateer, and shall never join her again; perhaps I may
never see you again either, which, believe me, I am truly sorry for.'

"She covered her eyes with her hand, as she leant on the table, and I
saw a tear fall as she said--

"'It is a sad business altogether, and has distressed me very much. I
hope your brother does not think that I blame him; tell him that I do
not in the least, and that he must forget my behaviour to him when we
parted. I did him injustice, and I beg his pardon. Tell him so,
Philip.'"

"Did she say those words, Philip?"

"Yes, word for word, and looked like an angel when she said so. I
replied that I would certainly deliver her message, but that I must
not remain, for fear of Mr. Trevannion finding me with her, as he
ordered me to quit the house.

"'Indeed,' said she; 'what can be the matter with my poor father?'

"'Why, Miss Trevannion,' said I, 'he was very angry, and he had
reason, for I was very saucy, and that's the truth.'

"'Why, Philip, what did you say to him?'

"'Oh, I hardly know,' replied I, 'but I know that I said more than I
ought; for I was very angry at my brother's dismissal. Good-bye, Miss
Trevannion.'

"Miss Trevannion was taking a ring off her finger as I said good-bye,
and I thought she was going to give it me as a keep-sake; but, after a
little hesitation, she put it on again, and then held out her hand,
saying, 'Good-bye, Master Philip, let us not part in anger, at all
ev