e here, and found Virginia and you; and I'm proud of
you both, and love you both better than anything on earth; and, although
I may not be so well brought up or so well taught as you both are,
still, Tom, I'm your father, and all I can say is, I wish for your sakes
I was better than I am."

[Illustration: JACK AND HIS FATHER UNDER THE COLONNADE.--Marryat, Vol
X., p. 289.]

"Don't say so, father. You know that Virginia and I are both as fond of
you as you are of us."

"Well, mayhap you are; I don't say no. You are both good children, and
at all events would try to like me; but still I do feel that you can't
look up to me exactly; but that's my misfortune, Tom, more than my
fault. I haven't larning like Anderson, or gentility like your mother.
I've only a true heart to offer to you. You see, Tom, I've said all this
because you are always after Anderson; not but that I like Anderson, for
he's a good man, and has been of sarvice to me, and I don't think he
would ever say anything to you that would make you think less of me."

"No, indeed, father; on the contrary, I once asked him his opinion about
you, and he spoke most highly of you; and whenever I go to him for
advice, he always sends me to you to approve of what he has said."

"Well, he is a good man, and I'm very sorry to have any feeling of envy
in me, that's the truth; but still a father must have a father's
feelings. Don't let us say anything more about it, Tom; only try next
time, when you want advice, whether I can't give it. You can always go
to Peter afterward, and see whether I'm right or wrong."

"I will indeed, my dear father, now I know that you wish it."

I never felt so warm toward my father as after this conversation; there
was so much affection toward me, and yet so much humility shown by him,
as respected himself, that I was quite touched with it, and I began to
think that he really had had occasion to complain, and that I had not
treated him with that respect which he deserved.

"Now, Tom, I've something to say to you. When Anderson, Bramble, and I
were taking a pipe together last night, Bramble said that he had a
letter from the captain of the Indiaman, offering you a berth on board
as guinea-pig, or midshipman. He said that he had not shown it to you as
yet, because it was of no use, as he was sure you would not accept it.
Well, Anderson and I said that at least you ought to know it, and have
the refusal; and your mother pricked up her ears an