onal appearance was calculated to excite,--at all
events, among the fairer portion of the passengers. He was courteous
and attentive to all the ladies; but it was remarked at length that he
was more frequently seen in conversation with Violet Ross than with any
one else. If her eye brightened when he came near, that was but
natural; as also that she should prefer talking to him to listening to
the remarks made to her by the cynical Captain Hawkesford,--who
evidently regarded young Hamerton with a feeling of dislike, which he
exhibited whenever he had an opportunity by a haughty and contemptuous
manner towards him. Colonel Ross, on the contrary, treated Reginald in
a kind and friendly way, and appeared to have no objection to his
conversing with Violet on deck, or to any of the attentions he paid her.
The third officer being ill, young Hamerton, as he was generally
called, took his place; and few could have failed to remark the
officer-like style in which he carried on duty, or the clear, ringing
voice in which he issued his orders,--displaying to advantage his
well-knit figure as he walked the deck with telescope under his arm, or
with his hand to his mouth, his fine head thrown back, shouting to the
crew. Violet's eye was wont to watch him as he moved about the deck,
and a gentle flush mounted on her cheek whenever he came near and bent
down to speak to her.

Captain Hawkesford scarcely concealed his jealousy, and expressed it in
remarks which he seemed to wish should reach Reginald's ear. "As the
young sailor was to all appearance working his passage, he should not
venture to make himself so familiar with those who were above him in
rank and position. For his part, he was surprised that Captain Lyford
allowed him to dine in the cabin, when he ought to mess with the other
junior officers."

If Reginald did hear what was said, he took no notice of Captain
Hawkesford's remarks, but appeared to be quite as much at his ease as at
first.

One day while he was attending to some duty forward, Captain Hawkesford
took a seat near Violet, and endeavoured to make himself agreeable to
the best of his power. She listened, for without rudeness she could not
avoid doing so; but no smile played around her mouth, while her answers
were mostly in monosyllables. Colonel Ross at length coming near, she
jumped up and took his arm, saying that she should like to enjoy a walk
for a few minutes. Captain Hawkesford looked excessive