r retarded his
recovery, and begged as a favour that I would accept his acknowledgment
in writing, and come to see him. That I consented to do, and repaired
to his house accordingly. I found him in his room, sitting in his
dressing-gown, and he had evidently suffered much.

"Mr Elrington," said he, "I trust to your excellent nature to accept my
apologies for the very unjust treatment you have received at my hands.
I am ashamed of myself and I can say no more."

"I beg, Mr Trevannion, that you will say no more; I accept the return
of your friendship with pleasure," replied I; "I am sorry that you have
been so ill."

"I am not," replied he; "it is good for us to be chastised at times. My
sickness has opened my eyes, and made me, I trust, a better man. May I
ask a favour of you?"

"Most certainly, Sir," replied I.

"It is that you will execute a commission for me, which is to go to
London on my account, see the government people who control the naval
affairs, and offer the Arrow as a hired vessel. You know all her
qualifies so well, and have kept her accounts so long, that you will be
able to furnish them with all necessary information. I should wish
Captain Levee to go with you, and, if you possibly can, make it a
condition that he is taken into the king's service, and appointed the
captain of her."

"I will do so with pleasure," replied I.

"One more favour I have to beg, Mr Elrington. When I so foolishly
quarrelled with you, you left a bag of money, to which you were fully
entitled from your good services, upon the table in the inner room. I
trust now that you will not mortify me by refusing it, or I shall think
that you have not really forgiven me."

I bowed assent.

"I thank you, Mr Elrington--thank you very much. Now I shall soon get
well. To-morrow, perhaps, you will have the kindness to come and see me
again. I feel rather overcome at present. Remember me kindly to
Philip. Good-bye for to-day," said Mr Trevannion holding out his
emaciated hand. "God bless you."

I took his hand and quitted the room, shutting the door softly. Mr
Trevannion was quite alone when I was with him. Humphrey, the porter,
had shown me up-stairs to the room.

Anxious as I was to see Miss Trevannion, I did not venture into the
sitting-room, but passed the door and went down-stairs; when I was going
out of the street-door, Humphrey followed me, and said Miss Trevannion
wished to see me. I went back again with a