of the late
Mr MacStinger, was so apparent, that the Captain did not contest the
point; but being in some measure ashamed of his position, though nobody
dwelt upon the subject, and Walter especially avoided it, remembering
the last conversation he and the Captain had held together respecting
it, he remained under a cloud for nearly five minutes--an extraordinary
period for him when that sun, his face, broke out once more, shining on
all beholders with extraordinary brilliancy; and he fell into a fit of
shaking hands with everybody over and over again.

At an early hour, but not before Uncle Sol and Walter had questioned
each other at some length about their voyages and dangers, they all,
except Walter, vacated Florence's room, and went down to the parlour.
Here they were soon afterwards joined by Walter, who told them Florence
was a little sorrowful and heavy-hearted, and had gone to bed. Though
they could not have disturbed her with their voices down there, they all
spoke in a whisper after this: and each, in his different way, felt
very lovingly and gently towards Walter's fair young bride: and a
long explanation there was of everything relating to her, for the
satisfaction of Uncle Sol; and very sensible Mr Toots was of the
delicacy with which Walter made his name and services important, and his
presence necessary to their little council.

'Mr Toots,' said Walter, on parting with him at the house door, 'we
shall see each other to-morrow morning?'

'Lieutenant Walters,' returned Mr Toots, grasping his hand fervently, 'I
shall certainly be present.

'This is the last night we shall meet for a long time--the last night we
may ever meet,' said Walter. 'Such a noble heart as yours, must feel, I
think, when another heart is bound to it. I hope you know that I am very
grateful to you?'

'Walters,' replied Mr Toots, quite touched, 'I should be glad to feel
that you had reason to be so.'

'Florence,' said Walter, 'on this last night of her bearing her own
name, has made me promise--it was only just now, when you left us
together--that I would tell you--with her dear love--'

Mr Toots laid his hand upon the doorpost, and his eyes upon his
hand.--With her dear love,' said Walter, 'that she can never have a
friend whom she will value above you. That the recollection of your true
consideration for her always, can never be forgotten by her. That she
remembers you in her prayers to-night, and hopes that you will think of