r Gervaise. Admiral Bluewater to me seemed sad, if I
may presume to mention it--almost to tears, I thought, sir, one or
twice."

"Poor Dick!" mentally ejaculated the vice-admiral; "he never could have
made up his mind to desert _me_ without great anguish of soul. Was there
any thing said," speaking aloud, "about the fleet of M. de Vervillin?"

"Certainly a good deal, sir; and yet am I ashamed to say, I scarce know
what! Admiral Bluewater appeared to think the Comte de Vervillin had no
intention to strike a blow at any of our colonies, and with this he
seemed to connect the idea that there would be less necessity for our
engaging him. At all events, I cannot be mistaken in his wish that you
would keep off, sir, until he could close."

"Ay, and you see how instinctively I have answered to his wishes!" said
Sir Gervaise, smiling a little bitterly. "Nevertheless, had the rear of
the fleet been up this morning, Sir Wycherly, it might have been a
glorious day for England!"

"It _has_ been a glorious day, as it is, sir. We, in the Druid, saw it
all; and there was not one among us that did not exult in the name of
Englishman!"

"What, even to the Virginian, Wychecombe!" rejoined Sir Gervaise,
greatly gratified with the natural commendation conveyed in the manner
and words of the other, and looking in a smiling, friendly manner, at
the young man. "I was afraid the hits you got in Devonshire might have
induced you to separate your nationality from that of old England."

"Even to the Virginian, Sir Gervaise. You have been in the colonies,
sir, and must know we do not merit all that we sometimes receive, on
this side of the Atlantic. The king has no subjects more loyal than
those of America."

"I am fully aware of it, my noble lad, and have told the king as much,
with my own mouth. But think no more of this. If your old uncle did give
you an occasional specimen of true John Bullism, he has left you an
honourable title and a valuable estate. I shall see that Greenly finds a
berth for you, and you will consent to mess with me, I hope. I trust
some time to see you at Bowldero. At present we will go on deck; and if
any thing that Admiral Bluewater has said _should_ recur to your mind
more distinctly, you will not forget to let me know it."

Wycherly now bowed and left the cabin, while Sir Gervaise sat down and
wrote a note to Greenly to request that he would look a little after the
comfort of the young man. The latter then wen