he most difficult to overcome. You used to laugh at me the
first few months that I was here. I presume that I am a little
improved, as I have not been attacked lately?"

"My father says so, and is much pleased with you, Mr Elrington, if my
telling you so gives you any satisfaction."

"Certainly it does, because I wish to please him."

"And me, too, I hope?"

"Yes, most truly, Miss Trevannion; I only wish I had it in my power to
show how much I study your good opinion."

"Will you risk my father's displeasure for it?" replied she, looking at
me fixedly.

"Yes, I will, provided--"

"Oh! There is a proviso already."

"I grant that there should not have been any, as I am sure that you
would not ask me to do anything which is wrong. And my proviso was,
that I did not undertake what my conscience did not approve."

"Your proviso was good, Mr Elrington, for when a woman would persuade,
a man should be particularly guarded that he is not led into error by a
rash promise. I think, however, that we are both agreed upon the point.
I will therefore come at once to what I wish you to do. It is the
intention of my father, in the course of a few days, when you shall have
accomplished your year of service, to offer to take you into
partnership; and I am certain it will be on liberal terms. Now I wish
you to refuse his offer unless he gives up privateering."

"I will do so at all risks, and I am truly glad that I have your
encouragement for taking such a bold step."

"I tell you frankly that he will be very indignant. There is an
excitement about the privateering which has become almost necessary to
him, and he cares little about the remainder of his speculations. He is
so blind to the immorality to which it leads, that he does not think it
is an unlawful pursuit; if he did, I am sure that he would abandon it.
All my persuasion has been useless."

"And if a favourite and only daughter cannot prevail, what chance have
I, Miss Trevannion?"

"A better chance, Mr Elrington; he is partial to me, but I am a woman,
and he looks upon my observations as a woman's weakness. The objections
raised by a man, a young man, and one who has so long been actively
engaged in the service, will, therefore, carry more weight; besides, he
has now become so accustomed to you, and has had so much trouble taken
off his hands, and, at the same time, has such implicit confidence in
you, that I do not think, if he finds that he has to choo