ace the individual
who entered, with a mien, into which he threw all the distance and
hauteur that he thought necessary for such an object. But he encountered,
in the mariner of the India-shawl, a very different man from the
flattering and obsequious grocer who had just quitted him. Eye met eye;
his gaze of authority receiving a look as steady, if not as curious, as
his own. It was evident, by the composure of the fine manly frame he saw,
that its owner rested his claims on the aristocracy of nature. The noble
forgot his acting under the influence of surprise, and his voice expressed
as much of admiration as command when he said--

"This, then, is the Skimmer of the Seas!"

"Men call me thus: if a life passed on oceans gives a claim to the title,
it has been fairly earned."

"Your character--I may say that some portions of your history, are not
unknown to me. Poor Carnaby, who is a worthy and an industrious man, with
a growing family dependent on his exertions, has entreated me to receive
you, or there might be less apology for this step than I could wish. Men
of a certain rank, Master Skimmer, owe so much to their station, that I
rely on your discretion."

"I have stood in nobler presences, my lord, and found so little change by
the honor, that I am not apt to boast of what I see. Some of princely rank
have found their profit in my acquaintance."

"I do not deny your usefulness, Sir; it is only the necessity of prudence,
I would urge. There has been, I believe, some sort of implied contract
between us--at least, so Carnaby explains the transaction, for I rarely
enter into these details, myself--by which you may perhaps feel some right
to include me in the list of your customers. Men in high places must
respect the laws, and yet it is not always convenient, or even useful,
that they should deny themselves every indulgence, which policy would
prohibit to the mass. One who has seen as much of life as yourself, needs
no explanations on this head; and I cannot doubt, but our present
interview will have a satisfactory termination."

The Skimmer scarce deemed it necessary to conceal the contempt that caused
his lip to curl, while the other was endeavoring to mystify his cupidity;
and when the speaker was done, he merely expressed an assent by a slight
inclination of the head. The ex-governor saw that his attempt was
fruitless, and, by relinquishing his masquerade, and yielding more to his
natural propensities and tastes