she does not mind having me."

"And Julius says it really cheered our dear Raymond to think you
would be the one to look after her! But that's not all, Nanny, I've
only till to-morrow to decide whether I am to be Member for
Wil'sbro'."

"Is that a duty?"

"Not such a duty as to bind me if it were altogether repugnant to
you. I was not brought up for it, and may be a mere stop-gap, but
it is every man's duty to come to the front when he is called for,
and do his utmost for his country in Parliament, I suppose, as much
as in action."

"I see; but it would be leaving your mother alone a great deal."

"Not necessarily. You could stay here part of the time, and I go
backwards and forwards, as Raymond did before his marriage."

"It would be better than your being at sea."

"But remember," he added, "there is much that can't be shirked. I
don't mean currying popularity, but if one is in that position,
there's no shutting oneself up. It becomes a duty to keep society
going, and give it the sort of tone that a nice woman can do. Do
you see?"

"I think I do. Julius said so once."

"So if we are to have such tears and despair as there were about the
ball in the Chimaera, then--"

"I was wrong then," said Anne. "I did not behave at all well to you
all that time, dear Miles; I have been sorry for it ever since I
understood."

"It was not you, little one, it was Mr. Pilgrim."

"No, it was not Mr. Pilgrim who made me cross."

"Yes, it was. He exacted pledges that he had no right to lay on
your conscience, and your poor little conscience was in terrible
straits, and I was too angry to feel for it. Never mind all that;
you have done with the fellow, and understand better now."

"He thought he was right, and that only such abstinence could guard
me. And, Miles, a promise is a promise, and I do not think I ought
to dance or play at cards. It is not that I think them wrong for
others, but I cannot break my word. Except those--I will do
whatever is fitting for your wife."

"Spoken like a heroine!"

"I don't think I could ever give a tone. Rosamond could, if she
tried, but I have no readiness and no training; but I do see that
there is more good in being friendly like Jenny Bowater, than in
avoiding everything, and as long as one does it because it is right
and loving, it can't be the world or worldliness."

It was not lucidly expressed, but it satisfied the Captain.

"All right, my bonnie Nance, I'll