epper, "Captain Delmar has desired me to
fit him out, and that he pays all the expenses."

"Well, that's another proof," said the young lady; "he wouldn't pay for
other people's children."

"He was brought down here by a very respectable-looking, I may say
interesting, and rather pretty woman,--I should think about thirty."

"Then she must have been handsome when this boy was born," replied the
young lady: "I consider that another proof. Where is she?"

"Went away this morning by the day-coach, leaving the boy with the
captain, who sent his coxswain for him."

"There's mystery about that," rejoined the daughter, "and therefore I
consider it another proof."

"Yes," said Mr Culpepper, "and a strong one too. Captain Delmar is so
high and mighty, that he would not have it thought that he could ever
condescend to have an intrigue with one beneath him in rank and station,
and he has sent her away on that account, depend upon it."

"Just so; and if that boy is not a son of Captain Delmar, I'm not a
woman."

"I am of that opinion," replied the father, "and therefore I offered to
take charge of him, as the captain did not know what to do with him till
his uniform was ready."

"Well," replied Miss Culpepper, "I'll soon find out more. I'll pump
everything that he knows out of him before he leaves us; I know how to
put that and that together."

"Yes," croaked the fat mother; "Medea knows how to put that and that
together, as well as any one."

"You must be very civil and very kind to him," said Mr Culpepper; "for
depend upon it, the very circumstance of the captain's being compelled
to keep the boy at a distance will make him feel more fond of him."

"I've no patience with the men in that respect," observed the young
lady: "how nobility can so demean themselves I can't think; no wonder
they are ashamed of what they have done, and will not acknowledge their
own offspring."

"No, indeed," croaked the old lady.

"If a woman has the misfortune to yield to her inclinations, they don't
let her off so easily," exclaimed Miss Medea.

"No, indeed," croaked the mamma again.

"Men make the laws and break them," continued Miss Culpepper. "Mere
brute strength, even in the most civilised society. If all women had
only the spirit that I have, there would be a little alteration, and
more justice."

"I can't pretend to argue with you, Medea," replied Mr Culpepper; "I
take the world as I find it, and make the best of it.