Your shame (excuse me for using the word) and my disgrace are
equally covered by that wedlock, which is an answer to any accusations
of illegitimacy. As to affronts, I do not fear them, or ever shall,
from those who know me. I can defend and protect myself; but it is a
great difference to me to let the world suppose that I am the son of Ben
the marine, when I know myself to be the son of the future Lord de
Versely. I wish to be acknowledged by Captain Delmar in such a way as
to convince the world that such is the fact, without the world being
able to throw it up in my face. That is easily done if Captain Delmar
chooses to do it; and if done as it ought to be done, will lead to my
benefit. At all events, it will satisfy my pride; for I feel that I am
not the son of your husband, but have blood boiling in my veins which
would satisfy the proudest aristocrat. I prefer the half relation to
that class, such as it is, with all its penalties to being supposed to
be the son of the man whom, from prudential motives alone, you took to
be your husband."

"Well, Percival, I cannot blame you; and do not you, therefore, blame
your mother too much, when you consider that the same feeling was the
cause of her becoming your mother."

"Far from it my dear mother," replied I; "only let us now act in
concert. I require your assistance. Allow me to ask you one question--
Have you not realised a sufficient sum of money to enable you to retire
from our business?"

"I certainly have, my dear Percival, much more than is necessary for me
to live in comfort, and I may say, some little luxury; but I have
thought of you, and for your sake, every year, have continued to add to
my profits."

"Then, my dear mother, for my sake give up your business as soon as
possible; money is not my object."

"Tell me what your reasons are for this demand."

"My dear mother, I will be candid with you. I wish you to retire from
business, and leave this place for any distant part of England; I wish
you to change your name, and, in one word, I wish Captain Delmar should
believe that you are dead."

"An why so, Percival? I cannot see how that will benefit you; it was on
my account that he took charge of you. You are not sure that he may not
be severed from you, and who knows but that my supposed death may
occasion him to desert you altogether?"

"You assist my cause, my dear mother, by what you say, if it is on your
account that Captain Delmar is m