s left alone to watch proceedings. From what I saw, I was fully
convinced that Master Sharpe's conjectures were well founded, and that
Mr Vernon and the fair unknown were certainly deeply in love with each
other, and most probably engaged. She certainly, as far as I could
judge from mere appearance, was well worthy the love of any man. Young
as I was, she made a deep impression on me; and even at this distance of
time I can bring her Hebe-like figure before me, with almost the vivid
colours of reality. She was not tall, but her figure was full of grace
and life. Her complexion was beautifully fair; her eyes were blue; and
the expression of her countenance was soft, feminine, and full of
sweetness; at the same time, the arch smile which occasionally played
over it showed that she was not destitute of sense and wit.

While I was looking on, I was joined by Adam Stallman, one of the senior
mates of the _Harold_. I have slightly mentioned him before. He was of
a somewhat grave and taciturn disposition, but generous and kind, and as
brave and honourable as any knight _sans peur et sans reproche_. He
read much and thought more, and was ready to give good advice when asked
for it; but innate modesty prevented him from volunteering to afford it,
except on rare occasions, when he saw that it was absolutely necessary
to preserve a person from following a path which might lead him to ruin.

Dicky and I were favourites of his; for though he kept us in order, and
more than once had inflicted a sound cobbing on my chum (certainly well
deserved), he was very kind to us.

"I say, Stallman, can you tell me who the young lady is with whom Mr
Vernon is dancing?" said I.

"Why do you ask?" he inquired.

"Because she is very beautiful," I replied.

The colour heightened on his generally impassive, well-bronzed features,
as his eye fell on the lady whom I indicated. "Yes," he answered, with
a firm voice, "that lady is Miss Blanche Norman, the daughter of Major
Norman, who is out here for his health. But wouldn't you like to dance,
youngster?"

I told him that I had been engaged by the captain to dance with Miss
Smaitch Number 2.

"Well, come to me if you want a partner," he said, and moved on.

I saw him soon afterwards go up and shake hands with Miss Norman. His
lip momentarily quivered, I saw; but his countenance otherwise remained
firm. She received him as an old acquaintance, and seemed glad to see
him.

I took it