eing so bad, Peter, that's all bother," continued he; "I know that
you are making arrangements for another sort of _rib_, as soon as you
can manage it; but you must stop a little, my boy. You shall be a lord
yet, as I always promised you that you should. It's a long lane that
has no turning--so good-bye."

When I was alone with Celeste, I showed her O'Brien's letter. I had
read the part of it relative to his not intending to make any capture
while I was on shore to General O'Brien, who replied, that "under such
circumstances he thought he should do right to detain me a little
longer; but," said he, "O'Brien is a man of honour and is worthy of his
name."

When Celeste came to that part of the letter in which O'Brien stated
that I was looking after another rib, and which I had quite forgotten,
she asked me to explain it; for although she could read and speak
English very well, she had not been sufficiently accustomed to it to
comprehend the play upon words. I translated, and then said--"Indeed,
Celeste, I had forgotten that observation of O'Brien's, or I should not
have shown you the letter; but he has stated the truth. After all your
kindness to me, how can I help being in love with you? and need I add,
that I should consider it the greatest blessing which Heaven could grant
me, if you could feel so much regard for me, as one day to become my
wife. Don't be angry with me for telling you the truth," continued I,
for Celeste coloured up as I spoke to her.

"O no! I am not angry with you, Peter; far from it. It is very
complimentary to me--what you have just said."

"I am aware," continued I, "that at present I have little to offer you--
indeed, nothing. I am not even such a match as your father might
approve of; but you know my whole history, and what my desires are."

"My dear father loves me, Peter, and he loves you too, very much--he
always did, from the hour he saw you--he was so pleased with your
candour and honesty of character. He has often told me so, and very
often talked of you."

"Well, Celeste, tell me, may I, when far away, be permitted to think of
you, and indulge a hope that some day we may meet never to part again?"
And I took Celeste by the hand, and put my arm round her waist.

"I don't know what to say," replied she, "I will speak to my father, or
perhaps you will; but I will never marry anybody else if I can help it."

I drew her close to me, and kissed her. Celeste burst into tears,