now of attending cookery
classes. I merely relate the story of how a number of these
men of the middle of last century added to their incomes in
order that they might not stint their families of the
necessaries of life, and at the same time might put aside a
little each voyage until they had accumulated sufficient to
enable them to stay ashore and pass the necessary
examination. How a certain section of these men acquired
their diplomas will always be a mystery to themselves and to
those who knew of them. They were sailors every inch, and
they claimed no higher distinction. It would be ridiculous
to suppose that they were representative of the higher order
of captain. With these they had nothing in common. Indeed,
they were a distinct race, that disdained throwing off
forecastle manners; whereas the higher type of captain,
wherever he went, carried with him a bright, gentlemanly
intelligence that commanded respect. The higher class of man
nearly always soared high in search of a wife, not so much
in point of fortune as in goodness, education, useful
intellectual attainment--a lady in fact, combining domestic
qualities compatible with his position. The merely
intellectual person did not appeal to him. It was rational
culture he sought for, a companionable woman indeed, who
could use her hands as well as her head. Sometimes their
judgment erred, and carried them into a vortex of misery.

The swift pulsations of a generous heart generally do lead
to trouble if not well steadied by sound judgment. One of
the most pathetic instances of this I have ever heard of
occurred to a man who was high up in his profession. I knew
him well. He was held in high esteem by his many friends.
But his big soul was too much for him. He made the
acquaintance of a young lady who intoxicated his fancy. She
was beautiful: a quick, attractive girl of twenty-one, who
could talk brightly of things that excited his attention.
Soon she told him a piteous tale of domestic trouble. She
was an artist in words and facial expression. Her whole
being was indicative of a guileless life. One morning by
appointment they met to say goodbye, for he was to sail from
London that afternoon in command of a large vessel on a long
voyage. She was brimming over with sparkling wit that
overjoyed him. She skilfully hinted of marriage on his
return, and playfully adjured that he should not allow other
attractions when he was abroad to lessen his affection for
her.