r companion. An introduction, which had before
placed the young captain and the attorney on speaking terms, did not
prevent the latter from mixing excessively good with excessively bad
breeding. He was apparently unwilling that Henry should be heard by
Emily. Maxwell had some idea of the relation which subsisted between his
two companions; but, of course, knew nothing of the previous night's
interview, which had indissolubly bound their hearts together. He
seemed determined to keep their sympathies as far apart as possible.

Henry Carroll wondered at the absence of Jaspar and at the sudden
appearance of Maxwell, for he had not before seen him. His attentions to
her he loved created no jealousy. Emily had satisfactorily acknowledged
her affection for him, and to believe her pure nature, especially under
the present circumstances, susceptible of coquetry, were infidelity. A
single look beaming with love had assured him that his star was still in
the ascendant.

At the conclusion, Maxwell, with the same elegant courtesy, conducted
her back to the ladies' cabin. Emily repeated her acknowledgments for
the attentions, and was about to enter her state-room, when he addressed
her.

"May I beg the favor of a few moments' private conversation, Miss
Dumont?" said he, in a more business-like manner than that he had
assumed at the tea-table.

Emily hesitated. Her supposition concerning his mission was partly
verified in this request; but the remembrance of her last interview with
him at his office in New Orleans came like a cloud over the bright sky
of her hopes. Curiosity and a painful interest prompted her to risk the
interview. If this interview was likely to be of an unpleasant nature,
she could retire; and, if the worst she apprehended was likely to be
realized, she knew that Henry Carroll hovered near her, at all times,
like a guardian angel.

"In your legal capacity, I presume?" said she, with a smile and a
crimson face.

"Certainly, certainly," replied Maxwell, not a little disconcerted to
discover this troublesome caution.

"Will you take a seat, then? I think no one will feel an interest in our
conversation beside ourselves."

"Excuse me," replied Maxwell, in his blandest tones, "a few words of our
conversation overheard might expose persons we wish not to injure."

"Perhaps it had better be deferred to a more convenient opportunity."

"Delays are dangerous, Miss Dumont. Justice to yourself requires that my
co