ver goes the show, as the Cockneys say."

"Aren't you glad to be here, Herbert?"

"I could kneel, my duck. But how good those people are! How well they
have behaved! Such utter strangers as we are to them! What did Mrs.
Barstow give you?"

She put her hand in her pocket, opened the little parcel, and produced
an Indian bracelet, a wonderfully cunning piece of work in gold.

"Upon my word!" cried I.

"How kind of her!" exclaimed Grace, with her eyes sparkling, though I
seemed to catch a faint note of tears in her voice. "I shall always
remember dear Mrs. Barstow."

"And what yacht is this?" said I, casting my eyes around. "A beautiful
little ship indeed. How exquisitely white are these planks! What
money, by George! in everything the eye rests upon!"

The master, who had remained on the bridge to start the yacht, now
approached. He saluted us with the respectful air of a man used to
fine company, but I instantly observed, on his glancing at Grace, that
his eye rested upon the wedding ring.

"I presume you are the captain?" said I.

"I am, sir."

"Pray, what name?"

"John Verrion, sir."

"Well, Captain Verrion, I must first of all thank you heartily for
receiving us. I had to abandon my yacht, the _Spitfire_, yesterday.
We were nearly sunk by a hurricane of wind, but the men believed they
could keep her afloat and carry her home. They _would_ have their way,
and I heartily pray they are safe, though they cannot yet have made a
port. Is the owner of this vessel aboard?"

"No, sir. She belongs to the Earl of ----. His lordship's been left
at Madeira. He changed his mind and stopped at Madeira--him and the
countess, and a party of three that was along with them--and sent the
yacht home."

"Then there is nobody aboard except the crew?"

"Nobody, sir."

"I have not the honour of his lordship's acquaintance," said I, "but I
think, Grace," I exclaimed, turning towards her, not choosing to speak
of her as "this lady," whilst she wore the wedding ring, not to call
her "my wife" either, "that he is a distant connection of your aunt,
Lady Amelia Roscoe."

"I don't know, Herbert," she answered.

"Anyway," said I, "it is a great privilege to be received by such a
vessel as this."

"His lordship 'ud wish me to do everything that's right, sir," said
Captain Verrion. "I'll have a cabin got ready for you, but as to
meals--" he paused, and added awkwardly, "I'm afraid there's nothen
aboard but pla