e
myself before I entered on board of a man-of-war, but having changed my
name, I do not wish it to be known that I ever had another until I can
change it again on a fitting opportunity. Now, Mr Saunders, will you
execute my message?"

"Most joyfully, Sir James; and I now can do it with proper caution; by
to-morrow morning I will be down here with Mrs St. Felix."

"You must post the whole way, as hard as you can, there and back, Mr
Saunders. Here is some money," said he, thrusting a bundle of notes in
my hand, "you can return me what is left. Good bye, and many, many
thanks."

"But where shall I meet you, sir?"

"Very true; I will be at the King's Arms Hotel, Chatham."

I lost no time. As soon as the boat put me on shore, I hired a chaise,
and posted to Greenwich, where I arrived about half-past nine o'clock.
I dismissed the chaise at the upper end of the town, and walked down to
Mrs St. Felix's. I found her at home, as I expected, and to my great
delight the doctor was not there.

"Why, Mr Pilot, when did you come back?" said she.

"But this minute--I come from Chatham."

"And have you been home?"

"No, not yet; I thought I would come and spend the evening with you."

"With me! Why, that's something new; I don't suppose you intend to
court me, do you, as the doctor does?"

"No, but I wish that you would give me some tea in your little back
parlour, and let Jane mind the shop in the meantime."

"Jane's very busy, Mr Tom, so I'm afraid that I can't oblige you."

"But you must, Mrs St. Felix. I'm determined I will not leave this
house till you give me some tea; I want to have a long talk with you."

"Why, what's in the wind now?"

"I'm not in the wind, at all events, for you see I'm perfectly sober;
indeed, Mrs St. Felix, I ask it as a particular favour. You have done
me many kindnesses, now do oblige me this time: the fact is, something
has happened to me of the greatest importance, and I must have your
advice how to act; and, in this instance, I prefer yours to that of any
other person."

"Well, Tom, if it really is serious, and you wish to consult me, for
such a compliment the least I can do is to give you a cup of tea." Mrs
St. Felix ordered Jane to take the tea-things into the back parlour, and
then to attend in the shop.

"And pray say that you are not at home, even to the doctor."

"Well, really the affairs looks serious," replied she, "but it shall be
so if you wish it."

We took