ognized you in that disguise to-day."

"It was a capitally-managed plan, Will, and had it been for a legitimate
object I should have given it unstinted praise. And so you saw him fairly
off from England?"

"Yes; and by this time I have no doubt he is on the top of a vehicle of
some sort, going as fast as horses can gallop to join his sweetheart."

"I wonder," Alice said mischievously, "whether she will ever tell him of
that kiss at the window."

"I dare say she will," laughed Will, "but perhaps not till they are
married. I sent her the gold watch I promised her, and when she holds it
up before his eyes I think he won't grudge her the kiss. Still, I believe
these things are not always mentioned."

"No, I suppose not," she said, with an affectation of not understanding
him. "Why should they be?"

"I can't say indeed, if you can't."

"Well, I am not ashamed of it one little bit, though I own that I never
have told anybody. But I don't see why I shouldn't. I am sure there were
at least half a dozen ladies in Jamaica who would willingly have kissed
you for what you did for them."

"Thank you! I should certainly not have willingly submitted to the
ordeal."

It was late when the story was finished, and they soon afterwards went to
bed.

Will spent a delightful week with his friends. Alice had grown up into a
charming young woman, full of life and vivacity, and even prettier than
she had promised to be as a girl. They went about together to all the
sights of London, for Mr. Palethorpe said that he didn't care about going,
and young people were best left to themselves. When the time came for
parting, Will for the first time experienced a feeling of reluctance at
joining his ship. He and Alice were now almost on their old footing, and
Will thought that she was by far the nicest girl he had ever seen; but it
was not until he was on the top of the Portsmouth coach that he recognized
how much she was to him. "Well," he said to himself, "I never thought I
should feel like this. Some young fellows are always falling in love. I
used to think it was all nonsense, but now I understand it. I do not know
why her father should object to me, as I am fairly well off. I must see as
much of her as I can when I land next time. I hope she won't meet anyone
in the meantime she likes better."

The _Jason_ was now lying out in the harbour, and the riggers had taken
possession of her. Will at once reported himself and went on board. The