le
on the look of the free-trader became less hidden, and it partook of
triumph.

"If any here has aught to say to the lady of our bark, let him now declare
it. She has come far, at our call, and will not tarry long."

"I would then know," said Ludlow, drawing a heavy breath, like one
recovering from some sudden and powerful sensation, "if she I seek be
within the brigantine?"

He who acted the part of mediator in this extraordinary ceremony, bowed
and advanced to the book, which, with an air of deep reverence, he
consulted, reading, or appearing to read, from its pages.

"You are asked here, in return for that you inquire, if she you seek is
sought in sincerity?"

Ludlow reddened; the manliness of the profession to which he belonged,
however, overcame the reluctance natural to self-esteem; and he answered,
firmly--

"She is."

"But you are a mariner; men of the sea place their affections, often, on
the fabric in which they dwell. Is the attachment for her you seek,
stronger than love of wandering, of your ship your youthful expectations,
and the glory that forms a young soldier's dreams?"

The commander of the Coquette hesitated. After a moment of pause, like
that of self-examination, he said--

"As much so, as may become a man."

A cloud crossed the brow of his interrogator, who advanced and again
consulted the pages of the book.

"You are required to say, if a recent event has not disturbed your
confidence in her you seek?"

"Disturbed--but not destroyed."

The sea-green lady moved, and the pages of the mysterious volume trembled,
as if eager to deliver their oracles.

"And could you repress curiosity, pride, and all the other sentiments of
your sex, and seek her favor, without asking explanation, as before the
occurrence of late events?"

"I would do much to gain a kind look from Alida de Barberie; but the
degraded spirit, of which you speak, would render me unworthy of her
esteem. If I found her as I lost her, my life should be devoted to her
happiness; and if not, to mourning that one so fair should have fallen!"

"Have you ever felt jealousy?"

"First let me know if I have cause?" cried the young man, advancing a step
towards the motionless form, with an evident intent to look closer into
its character.

The hand of the mariner of the shawl arrested him, with the strength of a
giant.

"None trespass on the respect due our mistress," coolly observed the
vigorous seaman, while he motioned