afterwards correspond as
voluminously as you please; but--understand me clearly--I will not
accede to or in any way countenance anything approaching to a betrothal,
or, as you English term it, an engagement! And now, my dear children, I
hope you are both satisfied."

My story is ended. Is there any need that I should say more? Well,
perhaps some of my readers may object to so abrupt a termination to this
veracious history; and, to please them, it may be as well, perhaps, to
briefly state a few additional facts.

I will add, then, that we succeeded in carrying the _Santa Catalina_
safely into Port Royal, after a fine but somewhat slow passage, though I
suppose I need scarcely say that to Inez and myself the days sped only
too fast. I duly reported myself to the admiral, and was by him
received most favourably, notwithstanding the deplorable _contre-temps_
of the loss of the _Dolphin_. The _Santa Catalina_ was duly declared a
lawful prize; and though objections to this proceeding were raised by
the Spanish government, and her surrender was formally demanded of us,
she was never given up; and after even more than the usual delays, all
concerned in her capture duly touched the prize-money due on her
account--a very considerable sum, as in addition to a valuable cargo she
had on board a large quantity of bullion. I do not know what became of
her officers and crew, as I was almost immediately appointed to a
dashing frigate fresh out from England; but no objection was raised to
the departure from the island of Don Luis and his daughter, who managed,
after some delay and difficulty, to secure a passage to La Guayra in a
neutral vessel; and once there, he soon found means to set himself right
with his government. Contrary to all expectation, Merlani survived long
enough to be able to tell my father all he had told me, and more; thus
completely and for ever setting at rest those harassing doubts and
suspicions as to the sincerity of my mother's affection which had gone
so far towards making a wreck of my father's life. My father's remorse
and regret for his cruel treatment of my mother were keen in the
extreme, and most painful to witness; but he faithfully strove to make
what compensation he could by lavishing upon me all the love of his
really warm and affectionate nature.

I remained on the West Indian station long enough to complete my time as
a midshipman; and my old friend, the admiral, lived long enough to
best