did once
hear an old gentlewoman, who had been conversant with the world, declare
that if every man was obliged to confess the secrets of his life before
marriage, few young women would be persuaded to go up to the altar. I
hope it is not true; but whether it is or not, it does not exactly bear
upon the subject in agitation. I again thank you for your candour, and
disclaim all wish to know any further. I believe I have now answered
your question."

"Not yet, Susan,--you have not yet answered the latter part of it."

"What was it?--I don't recollect."

"It was," said McElvina, picking up the piece of twisted paper which
Susan had thrown under the grate, "whether you would listen to my
entreaties to sign your name in future as on this paper?"

"Oh, McElvina," cried Susan,--"how unfair--how ungenerous! Now I detest
you!"

"I'll not believe that. I have your own handwriting to the contrary,
and I'll appeal to your father."

"Nay, rather than that--you have set me an example of candour, and shall
profit by it. Promise me, McElvina, always to treat me as you have this
day,--and here is my hand."

"Who would not be _honest_, to be so rewarded?" replied McElvina, as he
embraced the blushing girl.

"Ah,--all's right, I perceive," cried old Hornblow, who had opened the
door unperceived. "Come, my children, take my blessing--long may you
live happy and united."

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR.

He was a shrewd philosopher,
And had read every text and gloss over,
Whatever sceptic could inquire for,
For every _why_ he had a _wherefore_.
He could reduce all things to acts,
And knew their nature by abstracts.
HUDIBRAS.

Captain M--- was not unmindful of the promise which he had made to
McElvina relative to our hero; and when he returned to the ship he sent
for Macallan, the surgeon, and requested as a personal favour that he
would superintend Willy's education, and direct his studies.

Macallan was too partial to Captain M--- to refuse, and fortunately had
imbibed a strong regard for Willy, whose romantic history, early
courage, and amiability of disposition, had made him a general
favourite. Macallan, therefore, willingly undertook the tuition of a
boy who combined energy or mind with docility of disposition and
sweetness of temper. There could not have been selected a person better
qualified than the surgeon for imparting that general knowledge so
valuable in after-life; and, under his guidance, W