tality. These went so
far as to show, that the ex-man-o'-war's man was not altogether ignorant
of the relations existing between her and his old officer. And now she
longs to renew conversation with him, hoping to hear more of those same
pleasant words--perhaps get explanation of the others not so pleasant--
in the letter. Inez is affected with a like longing, for she too feels
the slight they conveyed--if not so much as her aunt, still enough to
wish for their true interpretation.

Both thus basing their hopes on Harry Blew, they have been for some time
on the lookout for him, though as yet unsuccessfully. Several times
have they ascended to the deck; but without seeing him, or only afar
off, and, to all appearance, busily engaged with his duties about the
ship.

Of course they do not expect him to come to them; and, with the secret
purpose they have conceived, dislike summoning him; while he on his part
appears to keep aloof, or, at all events, does not draw near--perhaps
not desiring to be deemed intrusive. For, although first officer of the
vessel, he is still only a rough sailor, and may think himself ill
qualified for the company of ladies.

Whatever the reason, they have been several times above, without finding
an opportunity to speak with him; and for this they wait with irksome
impatience.

At length, however, it seems to have arrived. They have come out on the
quarter, in front of the round-house door, and are seated on chairs
which the considerate skipper brought up for them. He is himself by
their side, endeavouring to entertain them by pointing out the various
objects on his vessel, and explaining their uses.

They give but little heed to the technical dissertations of the
well-meaning man, and only a passing glance at the objects indicated.
Even the two gigantic apes, that go gambolling about the decks--
exhibiting uncouth gestures, and uttering hoarse cries--fail to fix
their attention; though Captain Lantanas tells them many curious tales
of these creatures--_myas_ monkeys, he calls them, which he has brought
with him from Borneo. Too simple-minded to observe the inattention of
his listeners, he is proceeding still farther to illustrate the habits
of the orangs, when his lecture on natural history is interrupted, by
the necessity for his taking an observation of the sun. It is a few
minutes before mid-day, and he must needs determine his latitude. So
making apology to the ladies, he hurr