frequently met her at Mrs Edmonstone's, as well as at
other houses. She invariably received him in the same friendly manner,
and exhibited evident pleasure in his society.

Probably she had not dared to probe her own feelings. Colonel Armytage
treated him as he would any other young officer who had proved a credit
to his profession. Mrs Edmonstone always treated him with the greatest
consideration.

"I have told her all about you, sir," said Dicky Glover one day. "That
cousin of mine is a first-rate person, and she says she thinks it an
honour to know you."

"I am much obliged to her for her good opinion," was Morton's reply.

His spirits were somewhat low; the "Osterley" was about to sail. He had
by chance become acquainted with her commander, Captain Winslow. By his
invitation he was on board to receive Colonel Armytage and his family.
He conducted Mrs and Miss Armytage over the ship.

"I wish that you were to accompany us in the frigate," said Mrs
Armytage. "In war time we do not know what enemies we may have to
encounter."

"I should indeed rejoice, if my duty would allow it; but I trust that
you will have no cause for alarm: the `Osterley' is said to be a fast
ship, and report speaks highly of her commander, Captain Winslow."

Mrs Armytage had spoken without thought. She had been much pleased
with Morton, and it did not occur to her that her daughter might have
been so likewise, in a far greater degree, or that he might misinterpret
her remark.

"Oh, of course I see that would be out of the question," she observed;
"but perhaps the admiral would send your ship to Bombay, and then you
could watch us. I do not know how it is, but I have a perfect dread of
this voyage."

Ronald Morton did his best to soothe the lady's alarm, hoping also that
she would not impart it to her daughter.

Colonel Armytage, when he rejoined the party, was considerably annoyed
at hearing the remarks of his wife.

Ronald could not help feeling that his manner on the present occasion
was colder than ever, and somewhat supercilious into the bargain. He,
by some means or other, introduced the subject of duelling, and spoke of
it as the only method by which gentlemen could settle their disputes.
"Military men, of course, hold their lives in their hands, and the man
who shirks a duel, or does not insist on having satisfaction for an
insult offered him, should, in my opinion, leave the noble profession of
arms and turn shopke