es that she felt it improper that she should remain; and, in my
opinion, that she is a modest, interesting young woman, in whom Captain
Delmar has taken an interest. I wish father would not come here with
his nonsensical ideas, telling us to make much of the boy."

"Very true, Medea," replied the mother; "you might have saved that cake
and wine."

Thinks I to myself, you have not pumped me, and I never felt more
delighted than at having outwitted them. I thought it, however, prudent
to walk away from the window.

Shortly afterwards, Mr Culpepper returned, accompanied by one of the
numerous Portsmouth fitting-out tailors. I was summoned; the tailor
presented a list of what he declared to be absolutely necessary for the
outfit of a gentleman.

Mr Culpepper struck out two-thirds of the articles, and desired the
remainder to be ready on the Friday morning, it being then Wednesday.
The tailor promised faithfully, and Mr Culpepper also promised most
faithfully, that if the articles were not ready, they would be left on
his hands. As soon as the tailor had gone, Miss Medea asked me if I
would not like to take another run in the garden. I knew that she
wished to speak to her father, and therefore had a pleasure in
disappointing her. I therefore replied, that I had been there nearly
the whole day, and did not wish to go out any more.

"Never mind whether you wish it or not; I wish you to go," replied Miss
Medea, tartly.

"Medea, how can you be so rude?" cried Mr Culpepper; "surely Mr Keene
may do as he pleases. I'm surprised at you, Medea."

"And I'm surprised at you, papa, finding out a mystery when there is
none," replied Miss Medea, very cross. "All you said this morning, and
all your surmises, have turned out to be all moonshine. Yes, you may
look, papa; I tell you--all moonshine."

"Why, Medea, what nonsense you are talking," replied Mr Culpepper.

"Medea's right," croaked Mrs Culpepper; "all moonshine."

"So you need not be so very particular, papa, I can tell you," rejoined
Miss Medea, who then whispered in her father's ear, loud enough for me
to hear, "No such thing, nothing but a regular marine."

"Pooh, nonsense," replied the purser, in a low voice; "the boy has been
taught to say it--he's too clever for you, Medea."

At this very true remark of her father's, Miss Medea swelled into a
towering passion, her whole face, neck, and shoulders--for she wore a
low gown in the morning--turning to a fiery