scarlet. I never saw such a
fury as she appeared to be. She rushed by me so roughly, that I was
thrown back a couple of paces, and then she bounced out of the room.

"Medea knows how to put that and that together, Mr Culpepper," croaked
out Mrs Culpepper.

"Medea's wise in her own conceit, and you're a regular old fool,"
rejoined Mr Culpepper, with asperity; "one too knowing and the other
not half knowing enough. Master Keene, I hope you are hungry, for we
have a very nice dinner. Do you like ducks and green peas?"

"Yes, sir, very much," replied I.

"Were you born at Chatham, Master Keene?"

"No, sir, I was born at the Hall, near Southampton. My mother was
brought up by old Mrs Delmar, the captain's aunt."

I gave this intelligence on purpose; as I knew it would puzzle Miss
Medea, who had just returned from the kitchen.

Mr Culpepper nodded his head triumphantly to his daughter and wife, who
both appeared dumb-founded at this new light thrown upon the affair.

Miss Medea paused a moment and then said to me,--"I wish to ask you one
question, Master Keene."

"I will not answer any more of your questions, miss," replied I; "You
have been questioning me all the morning, and just now, you were so rude
as nearly to push me down. If you want to know anything more, ask
Captain Delmar; or, if you wish it, I will ask Captain Delmar whether I
am to answer you, and if he says I am, I will, but not without."

This was a decided blow on my part; mother and Medea both looked
frightened, and Mr Culpepper was more alarmed than either of the
females. It proved to them that I knew what they were inquiring for,
which was to them also proof that I also knew who I was; and further, my
reference to Captain Delmar satisfied them that I felt sure of his
support, and they knew that he would be very much irritated if I told
him on what score they had been pumping me.

"You are very right, Master Keene," said Mr Culpepper, turning very
red, "to refuse to answer any questions you don't like; and, Medea, I'm
surprised at your behaviour; I insist upon it you do not annoy Master
Keene with any more of your impertinent curiosity."

"No, no," croaked the old lady; "hold your tongue, Medea, hold your
tongue."

Miss Medea, who looked as if she could tear my eyes out if she dared,
swallowed down her rage as well as she could. She was mortified at
finding she had made a mistake, annoyed at my answering her so boldly,
and frightened