lushed deeply as she moved towards me. We
joined hands in silence. I was breathless with emotion. Never had she
appeared so beautiful. Neither party appeared willing to break silence;
at last I faltered out, "Miss Drummond,"--and then I stopped.

"Mr Faithful," replied she; and then, after a break--"How very silly
this is; I ought to have congratulated you upon your safe return, and
upon your good fortune; and, indeed, Mr Faithful, no one can do so more
sincerely."

"Miss Drummond," replied I, confused, "when I was an orphan, a
charity-boy, and a waterman, you called me Jacob, if the alteration in
my prospects induces you to address me in so formal a manner--if we are
in future to be on such different terms--I can only say that I wish that
I were again--Jacob Faithful, the waterman."

"Nay," replied she, "recollect that it was your own choice to be a
waterman. You might have been different--very different. You might at
this time have been a partner with my father, for he said so but last
night, when we were talking about you. But you refused all; you threw
away your education, your talents, your good qualities, from a foolish
pride, which you considered independence. My father almost humbled
himself to you--not that it is ever humiliating to acknowledge and
attempt to repair a fault, but still he did more than could be expected
from most people. Your friends persuaded you, but you rejected their
advice; and what was still more unpardonable, even I had no influence
over you. As long as you punished yourself I did not upbraid you; but
now that you have been so fortunate, I tell you plainly--"

"What?"

"That it is more than you deserve, that's all."

"You have said but the truth, Miss Drummond. I was very proud and very
foolish; but I had repented of my folly long before I was pressed; and I
candidly acknowledge that I do not merit the good fortune I have met
with. Can I say more?"

"No; I am satisfied with your repentance and acknowledgment. So, now
you may sit down, and make yourself agreeable."

"Before I do that, allow me to ask, as you address me as Mr Faithful,
how am I to address you? I should not wish to be considered
impertinent."

"My name is Miss Drummond, but those who feel intimate with me call me
Sarah."

"I may reply that my name is Faithful, but those who feel intimate with
me call me Jacob."

"Very true; but allow me to observe that you show very little tact. You
should never