beating heart, a sensation I
had not felt before, when about to go into her presence. She was
standing by the table.

"Mr Elrington," said she, as I bowed upon entering, "I did not think
that you could carry your resentment against me so far as to leave the
house without asking to see me; but if you do not wish to see me, 'tis a
duty I owe to myself to wish to see you, if only for a moment, that I
may beg your pardon for my conduct towards you when we last parted. I
have suffered much since that, Mr Elrington; do not make me suffer more
by continuing your resentment. Recollect I am but a weak woman, and
must not be judged so severely as one of your own sex."

"I have nothing to pardon that I am aware of, Miss Trevannion," replied
I; "I did not intrude upon you just now, because being no longer an
inmate of the house, and not having parted with you in complete amity, I
thought it would be presumptuous in me so to do."

"You are very generous, Mr Elrington," replied she; "now take my hand,
and I promise never to be so hasty again."

I took the proffered hand, and raised it respectfully to my lips. I had
never done so before; but Miss Trevannion showed no signs of
displeasure, or attempted to withdraw it.

"Do you think my father looks very ill, Mr Elrington?" said she.

"From his appearance, I think that he must have suffered much."

"I am most thankful that you have come to see him, Mr Elrington. You
have no idea how his mind was troubled, and how he longed to be
reconciled to you. I trust he has made his peace."

"I have always had too much respect for your father, and gratitude for
his kindness to me, to have made that a work of difficulty."

"You rejoice me much--make me very happy, Mr Elrington," replied Miss
Trevannion, as the tears dropped fast from her eyes. "You must excuse
me," said she; "I have become very weak and nervous during my father's
illness--and sitting up with him so much,--but it is over now."

"You have had much anxiety, I see, Miss Trevannion; you are pale and
thin to what you were."

"Did my father--? But I have no right to ask such questions."

"You would inquire, Miss Trevannion, whether anything was said as to
future arrangements?"

Miss Trevannion made a sign of assent.

"I have promised to execute a commission for him, and am going to
London, accompanied by Captain Levee."

"To get rid of those wretched privateers, is it not?"

"Yes it is, and I am to come to-morrow