and will, if you
will allow him to come on board of the Portsmouth, give Alfred an acting
lieutenant's order. Should any thing occur on the passage out, and it is
not at all impossible, it will insure his promotion; even if nothing
occurs, I will have his acting order confirmed. At Quebec, he shall, of
course, leave the ship, and go with you. I don't pretend to detain him
from his duty; but you will observe, that if he does obtain his rank, he
will also obtain his half-pay, which, if he remains in Canada with you,
will be a great assistance; and if things should turn out so well, that
you can, after a year or two, do without him, and allow him to return to
the service, he will then have already gained the most important step,
and will, I have no doubt, soon rise to the command of a ship. I will
give you till to-morrow to decide. Alfred can come on board in the
morning, and let me know."

"I think I may say, Captain Lumley," replied Mrs. Campbell, "that my
husband could have but one reason in hesitating a moment, and that is,
to ascertain whether I should like to part with my son during our
passage out. I should, indeed, be a very weak woman, if I did not make
such a trifling sacrifice for his benefit, and, at the time, feel most
grateful to you for your kind intentions toward him. I rather think that
Mr. Campbell will not find it necessary to have till to-morrow morning
to consider the proposal; but I leave him to answer for himself."

"I can assure you, Captain Lumley, that Mrs. Campbell has only expressed
my own feelings, and, as far as we are concerned, your offer is most
gratefully accepted."

"Then, Alfred," replied Captain Lumley, "has only to make his appearance
on board of the Portsmouth to-morrow morning, and he will find his
acting order ready for him. We sail, I believe, the day after, if the
weather is at all favorable; so, if I have not another opportunity to
pay my respects to you, you must allow me to say farewell now. I shall
keep my eye upon your vessel during the passage; at all events, Alfred
will, I'm very sure."

Captain Lumley shook hands with Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, bowed to the rest
of the cabin party, and quitted the ship. As he went over the side, he
observed to Alfred, "I perceive you have some attractions in your party.
It is quite melancholy to think that those pretty cousins of yours
should be buried in the woods of Canada. To-morrow, at nine o'clock,
then, I shall expect you.--Adieu!"