Faithfully had he reminded her of the trials she must expect to
encounter, in uniting her destiny to a poor gentleman, and had pointed
out emigration as the only remedy for counteracting the imprudence of
such a step; and Flora, full of love and faith, was not hard to be
persuaded. She considered that to be his wife, endowed as he was by
nature with so many moral and intellectual qualities, with a fine face
and noble form, would make her the richest woman in the world: that
there was in him a mine of mental wealth, which could never decrease,
but which time and experience would augment, and come what might, she in
the end was sure to be the gainer.

She argued thus:--"Did I marry a man whom I could not love, merely for
his property, and the position he held in society, misfortune might
deprive him of these, and a disagreeable companion for life would remain
to remind me constantly of my choice. But a generous, talented man like
Lyndsay, by industry and prudence may become rich, and then the most
avaricious worlding would applaud the step I had taken."

We think after all, that Flora reasoned wisely, and, acting up to her
convictions, did right. The world, we know, would scarcely agree with
us; but in matters of the heart, the world is rarely consulted.

They were married, and, retiring to a pretty cottage upon the sea-coast,
confined their expenditure to their limited means, and were contented
and happy, and so much in love with each other and their humble lot,
that up to this period, all thoughts upon the dreaded subject of
emigration had been banished from one mind, at least. Flora knew her
husband too well to suspect him of changing a resolution he had once
formed on the suggestion of duty. She felt, too, that he was
right,--that painful as the struggle was, to part with all dear to her
on earth, save him, that it must be made. "Yes, I can, and will dare all
things, my beloved husband, for your sake," she said. "My heart may at
times rebel, but I will shut out all its weak complainings. I am ready
to follow you through good and ill,--to toil for our future maintenance,
or live at ease. England--my country! the worst trial will be to part
from you."

CHAPTER II.

THE OLD CAPTAIN.

Flora's reveries were abruptly dispelled by a gentle knock at the door;
and her "Come in," was answered by a tall, portly, handsome old lady,
who sailed into the room in all the conscious dignity of black silk and
white lawn