ollecting herself, slightly coloured, as she twisted up the paper and
threw it under the grate; in doing which, she perceived McElvina, who
still remained at the door. A cry of surprise, a deep blush of pleasure
over her pale face, and a hand frankly extended, which McElvina could
with difficulty resist the impulse to raise to his lips, were followed
up by the hasty interrogation of--"Why, your arm is in a sling? You did
not say that you were hurt when you wrote from Plymouth?"

"It was not worth mentioning, Susan--it's almost well; but tell me, how
did your father bear the loss of the vessel?"

"Oh! pretty well! But, Captain McElvina, you could not have done me a
greater favour, or my father a greater kindness. He has now wound up
his affairs, and intends to retire from all speculation. He has
purchased a house in the country, and I hope, when we go there, that I
shall be more happy, and have better health than I have had of late."

"And what is to become of me?" observed McElvina, gravely.

"Oh, I don't know; you are the best judge of that."

"Well, then, I will confess to you, Susan, that I am just as well
pleased that all this has taken place as you are; for I am not sorry to
give up a profession respecting which, between ourselves, I have lately
had many scruples of conscience. I have not saved much, it is true; but
I have enough to live upon, as long as I have no one to take care of
except myself."

"You raise yourself in my opinion by saying so," replied Susan;
"although it is painful to me to condemn a practice which impeaches my
father. Your courage and talents may be better applied. Thank God,
that it is all over."

"But, Susan, you said that you hoped to have better health. Have you
not been well?"

"Not very ill," replied Susan; "but I have had a good deal of anxiety.
The loss of the vessel,--your capture,--has affected my father, and, of
course, has worried me."

The discourse was now interrupted by old Hornblow, who had returned home
to his dinner. He received McElvina in the most friendly manner, and
they sat down to table.

After dinner, McElvina entered into a minute detail of all that had
occurred, and, as far as he was concerned, with a modesty which enhanced
his meritorious conduct.

Susan listened to the narrative with intense interest; and as soon as it
was over, retired to her room, leaving old Hornblow and McElvina over
their bottle.

"Well, McElvina, what do you mean to