ing
presently. But you cannot imagine, until you attempt to move, how
violently the _Spitfire_ rolls and pitches. Besides, the decks are
full of water, and a single wild heave might throw us both and send us
flying overboard."

She shuddered and said no more about going on deck.

Spite of her having slept, her eyes seemed languid. Her cheeks were
colourless, and there was an expression of fear and expectation that
made my heart mad to behold in her sweet young face, that, when all was
well with her, wore a most delicate bloom, whilst it was lovely with a
sort of light that was like a smile in expressions even of perfect
repose. I had brought her to this! Before another day had closed her
love for me might have cost her her life! I could not bear to think of
it--I could not bear to look at her--and I broke down burying my face
in my hands.

She put her arm round my neck, pressed her cheek to mine, but said
nothing, until the two or three dry sobs, which shook me to my very
inmost soul, had passed.

"Anxiety and want of sleep have made you ill," she said. "I am sure
all will end well, Herbert. The storm, you say, is passing, and then
we shall be able to steer for the nearest port. You will not wait now
to reach Penzance?"

I shook my head, unable to speak.

"We have both had enough of the sea," she continued, forcing a smile
that vanished in the next breath she drew; "but you could not have
foretold this storm. And even now, would you have me anywhere else but
here?" said she, putting her cheek to mine again. "Rest your head on
my shoulder and sleep. I feel better--and will instantly awaken you if
there is any occasion to do so."

I was about to make some answer, when I heard a loud and, as it
appeared to me, a fearful cry on deck. Before I could spring to my
feet someone heavily thumped the companion-hatch, flinging the sliding
cover wide open an instant after, and Caudel's voice roared down:

"Mr. Barclay! Mr. Barclay! there's a big ship close aboard us! She's
rounding to. Come on deck, for God's sake, sir, that we may larn your
wishes."

Bidding Grace remain where she was, I sprang to the companion steps,
and the first thing I saw on emerging was a large, full-rigged ship,
with painted ports, under small canvas, and in the act of rounding with
her main topsail-yard slowly swinging aback. Midway the height of our
little mizzenmast streamed the ensign which Caudel or another of the
men had h