dian to the girl, and as her
guardian exhorting and hurrying us to this union for her sake--would
not the question of Lady Amelia Roscoe's consent be set aside, whether
on the grounds of the peculiarity of our situation, or because it was
impossible for us to communicate with her, or because the commander of
the ship, a person in whom is vested the most despotic powers,
politely, hospitably, but substantially, too, _ordered_ us to be
married? I cannot put the point as a lawyer would, but I trust I make
intelligible the thoughts which occupied my mind as I stood on the
decks of the _Carthusian_ after quitting the captain's cabin.

About twenty minutes later, Grace arrived, accompanied by Mrs. Barstow.
My darling did not immediately see me, and I noticed the eager way in
which she stood for some moments scanning the bright and leaping scene
of ocean. The passengers raised their hats to her, one or two ladies
approached and seemed to congratulate her; she then saw me, and in a
moment was at my side.

"How long is this to last, Herbert?"

"At any hour something may heave in sight, dearest."

"It distresses me to be looked at. And yet, it is miserable to be
locked up in Mrs. Barstow's cabin, where I am unable to be with you."

"Do not mind being looked at. Everybody is very kind, Grace; so sweet
as you are, too--who can help looking at you? Despite your
embarrassment, let me tell you that I am very well pleased with what
has happened," and I repeated to her what had been passing in my mind.

But she was too nervous, perhaps too young to understand. She had left
her gloves in the yacht, her hands were bare, and her fine eyes rested
on the wedding ring upon her finger.

"Must I go on wearing this, Herbert?"

"Oh, yes, my own--certainly, whilst you are here. What would Captain
Parsons say?--what would everybody think if you removed it?"

"But I am not your wife!" she exclaimed with a pout, softly beating the
deck with her foot, "and this ring is unreal--it signifies nothing--"

I interrupted her. "I am not so sure that you are not my wife," said
I. She shot a look at me out of her eyes, which were large with alarm
and confusion. "At all events, I believe I am your husband, and
surely, my precious, you must hope that I am. But whether or not, pray
go on wearing that ring. You can pull it off when we get to Penzance,
and I will slip it on again when we stand before my cousin."

"It has been a dreadful adve