day when he first made the offer, and
we had quarrelled; but I did not see Miss Trevannion; much to my regret,
her father said that she was ailing. The business I had to transact,
and fitting out the Sparrow-Hawk, so completely occupied me, that it was
now three days that I had been at Liverpool without having seen her, and
I was much annoyed at it, as I had called every day. My feelings
towards her were now stronger than before. She was never out of my
thoughts, and I hardly know how it was that I transacted business as I
did. This evening I was determined, if possible, that I would see her,
and find out why she avoided me, as it appeared to me that she did.
When I called, therefore, I did not ask to see her father, but told
Humphrey to find out where Miss Trevannion was, and say that I requested
to speak with her. Humphrey returned, and said that she was in the
sitting-room, to which I instantly repaired.

"I am fearful that I have given you some unintentional cause of
displeasure, Miss Trevannion," said I, as I entered, "for you have
appeared to avoid me since my return."

"Indeed, Mr Musgrave, I have not," replied she; "I was most anxious to
see you, and have thought it very unpolite, I may add, unkind, on your
part not to have come to me."

"I have been in the house every day, and sometimes twice a day, with
your father, Miss Trevannion, and have never met you. Once I inquired
for you, and your father told me you were unwell, whereas Humphrey had
but five minutes before told me that you were well and in good spirits."

"Humphrey told the truth, and so did my father. I was in good health
and spirits, and in five minutes afterwards I was ill and unhappy."

"I trust I was no party to it, Miss Trevannion."

"You were a party to it, but not the great offender, who was my father.
He had told me that upon your return he had installed you as his
partner, and had done you the justice you had deserved; and then he told
me that you were going out to the coast of Africa in the Sparrow-Hawk."

"It is very true, Miss Trevannion; but where is the offence?"

"The offence is this: my father no sooner does you justice than he wants
more ivory and gold-dust, having more than enough already; but I told
him it was as bad as privateering, for in either case he sends people
out to sacrifice their lives, that he may gain more money. I have no
patience with this foolish pursuit of wealth."

"After all your father's kindnes