ranted, and concluded his letter, "Your sincere friend and well-wisher,
de Versely."

As soon as I had laid down the letter, I said to myself, I was right--
the true way to create an interest in a man like Lord de Versely, is to
make him proud of you. I have done well as yet--I will try to do more;
but how long will this success continue? Must I not expect reverses?
May not some reaction take place? and have I not in some degree deserved
it? Yes, I have used deceit in persuading him of my mother's death. I
began now to think that that was a false step, which, if ever
discovered, might recoil upon me. I remained a long while in deep
thought. I tried to extenuate my conduct in this particular, but I
could not; and to rid myself of melancholy feelings, which I could not
overcome, I wrote a letter, requesting leave of absence for a fortnight,
and took it myself to the admiral's office. This depression of spirits
remained with me during the time that I remained at Portsmouth, when,
having obtained leave, I set off for London, and on arrival, put up at a
fashionable hotel in Albermarle Street.

CHAPTER THIRTY.

The next morning I called at Lord de Versely's and sent up my card. I
was immediately ushered up, and found myself in his presence. Lord de
Versely rose from his sofa, and took my hand. "Keene, I am very glad to
see you. I am proud that an _eleve_ of mine should have done me so much
credit. You have gained all your rank in the service by your own merit
and exertions."

"Not quite all, my lord," replied I.

"Yes, all; for you are certain of your next step--they cannot well
refuse it to you."

"They will not refuse your lordship, I have no doubt," replied I.

"Sit down, Keene. We will have a little conversation, and then we will
go to the Admiralty."

His lordship then asked me many questions relative to what had passed;
and I entered into more detail than I had done in my letters. After an
hour's conversation, carried on by him in so friendly--I may almost say
affectionate--a style as to make my heart bound with delight, the
carriage was announced, and accompanied his lordship down to the
Admiralty. His lordship sent up his card, and was requested immediately
to go upstairs. He desired me to follow him; and as soon as we were in
the presence of the first lord, and he and Lord de Versely had shaken
hands, Lord de Versely said, "Allow me to introduce to you Captain
Keene, whose name, at least