o that
which I think wrong, I shall certainly try my influence over you,"
replied Miss Trevannion, smiling. "I really was not aware that I had
such power."

Here Mr Trevannion came in again, and the conversation was changed; and
shortly afterwards Miss Trevannion left the room. Philip, who was tired
of sitting while Mr Trevannion and I took our pipes, and who was
anxious to see the town, also left us; and I then stated to Mr
Trevannion that having now completed the cruise which I had agreed that
I would, I wished to know whether he had provided himself with another
captain.

"As you appear so determined, my dear Elrington, I will only say that I
am very sorry, and will not urge the matter any longer. My daughter
told me since your absence that she was certain you would adhere to your
resolution; and, although I hoped the contrary, yet I have been
considering in which way I can serve you. It is not only my pleasure
but my duty so to do; I have not forgotten, and never will forget, that
you in all probability saved my life by your self-devotion in the affair
of the Jacobites. When you first came to me, you were recommended as a
good accountant, and, to a certain degree, a man of business; and, at
all events, you proved yourself well acquainted and apt at figures. Do
you think that a situation on shore would suit you?"

"I should endeavour to give satisfaction, Sir," I replied; "but I fear
that I should have much to learn."

"Of course you would; but I reply that you would soon learn. Now,
Elrington, what I have to say to you is this: I am getting old, and in a
few years shall be past work; and I think I should like you as an
assistant for the present, and a successor hereafter. If you would like
to join me, you shall superintend the more active portion of the
business; and I have no doubt but that in a year or two you will be
master of the whole. As you know, I have privateers and I have merchant
vessels, and I keep my storehouses. I have done well up to the present;
not so well, perhaps, now, as I did when I had slave-vessels, which were
most profitable; but my deceased wife persuaded me to give up that
traffic, and I have not resumed it, in honour of her memory. These
foolish women should never interfere in such matters; but let that pass.
What I have to say is, that if you choose after a year to join me as a
partner, I will give you an eighth of the business, and as we continue I
will make over a furthe