the money that Mr. Batty sent me."

"Did you put your name at the bottom of the document without first
reading it?"

"Yes, I did."

"A most foolish thing to do," remarked their friend; "but the conduct
of the man who secured a promise in such a way, was most abominable."

"Certainly it was," replied Mr. Darling; "and such an agreement cannot
be binding. Indeed, I will at once compel Mr. Batty to contradict the
report which is afloat. What a shame it was!"

Grace coloured with vexation, and there was an indignant ring in her
voice, which told how deeply the insult had hurt her.

"I could not help being flattered by the attentions he paid me," said
Grace; "but now, that I see what they were for, I feel completely
humiliated."

"I will write a letter to this Batty at once," said Mr. Darling, "and
let him know what we think of his conduct."

"Do," replied his friend, "you cannot be too decided in such a matter."

Mr. Darling wrote, expressing, in strong terms, the indignation which
they all felt at the deception which had been practised upon them, and
insisted that Mr. Batty should at once contradict the false report
which he had published.

The friend who had cared so much for the family as to come to the
islands to expostulate with the Darlings on this subject, received the
warmest thanks, both of Grace and her father, for his kindness and
solicitude. Grace felt that she could scarcely forgive Mr. Batty; and
never afterwards alluded to the circumstance, without giving expression
to her feelings of mortification. She had been really humiliated; and
the occurrence caused her to feel what every woman does feel in similar
circumstances, that although good deeds draw the attention of the world
upon herself, yet there is very much that is repugnant connected with
publicity. The little glimpse that is here given of the character of
Grace Darling's father is interesting. He was a member of the Church
of England, and a good man. He was upright, honourable, and
courageous, as we have already seen several times; and he was very
particular with regard to the habits of the children. He did not allow
cards nor dice in his household, nor believe that people could go to
theatres without receiving some contamination. He wanted the young men
and women of his family to be content with simple pleasures, and find
their joy in doing their duty, and in the companionships of their home.
He had a special wish that the girls