she had been accustomed, still his manner towards her was gentle
and deferential, as if he in no way presumed on the service he had
rendered her. Indeed, it never entered his head that he had rendered
her any especial service, or that he had the slightest claim on her
regard. He felt, as he wrote to his father, "that he had had the good
fortune to command the boat which saved a colonel and Miss Verner; that
they were very nice people; that the colonel was to be stationed at
Halifax, and had invited him to his house whenever he could get leave on
shore." He added, "That will not be very often during these stirring
times, but I shall thoroughly enjoy it when I do go, for Miss Alice
Verner is the most beautiful and amiable girl I have ever seen or expect
to meet; without a bit of pride about her, and she talks to me as if I
were an old friend."

At length the "Vestal" dropped her anchor in the fine harbour of
Halifax, and with a regret which surprised him, Pearce saw the
passengers depart for the shore.

"Remember, my dear Mr Ripley, Miss Verner and I shall at all times be
glad to see you," said Colonel Verner as he was about to leave the ship.
Alice did not say as much as her father, but Pearce believed from the
expression of her countenance that she willingly seconded her father's
invitation. Still he knew that the familiar intercourse which had been
so delightful to him on board must come to an end. "What can she ever
be to me more than she is at present?" he exclaimed to himself. "She
says that I saved her life and her father's life; but then I saved the
lives of many other people. To be sure I have got one step up the
ratlins, but it may be very long before I get another. No, no, I'll not
think about it."

The next day a special invitation to the governor's table, where he met
Colonel and Miss Verner, and where all the gentlemen from the governor
downwards drank wine with him, considerably altered his feelings. This
was the first of many attentions which he received from the military
officers and the principal inhabitants of Halifax. His time on shore
was indeed fully occupied in making morning calls and in attending the
parties to which he was invited. A portion of every morning he spent in
the society of Miss Verner. It was very delightful, and he felt sure
that he was welcome.

At length the "Vestal" was suddenly ordered to sea. Pearce had the
greatest difficulty in getting on shore to wish his fri