Reginald, he supposed, was
not likely to remain long in that city, and would be either again going
to sea, or proceeding up the country; at least he fancied, from some
remarks the young man let drop, such would be the case. Violet, too,
was not likely to remain long without receiving an eligible offer, which
he trusted she would have the sense to accept--although he was not the
man to force her to do so against her inclination.

During the remainder of the voyage Reginald enjoyed frequent
opportunities of conversing with Violet, though, by the colonel's
management, they were but seldom left alone. They perfectly understood
each other, however; and the day before the ship was off the
Sunderbunds, Reginald told Violet that he loved her better than life;
and although he confessed there was a mystery about his birth, he said
he hoped ere long to clear it up, and to be in a position to offer her
his hand.

"If I succeed, as I have every reason to hope I may, your father will
have no cause to refuse me on account of my birth and fortune. More I
may not tell you; but you will confide in my honour, dearest Violet: I
know you will!" He took her hand, which she did not withdraw.

"I trust you implicitly. I know my kind father has a sincere regard for
you, and he is only at present unwilling to sanction our engagement
because he believes that it would not conduce to my happiness," she
answered.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following day the _Glamorgan Castle_ dropped her anchor in the
Hooghly. Shortly afterwards a man-of-war steamer hove in sight, and
brought-to at a short distance from the ship. A boat from her came
alongside, when Reginald came up to Colonel and Miss Ross.

"I must bid you farewell; but I hope that I may be allowed to call on
you in Calcutta," he said with tolerable calmness.

The colonel hesitated in his reply.

"I cannot say where my duty will call me; but you may be assured, Mr
Hamerton, that I shall not forget you," he at length answered evasively.
"Farewell! I see your attendant at the gangway waiting for you."

Violet, pained at her father's manner, said but little. Reginald,
however, understood her look and manner; and paying a hurried adieu to
the rest of the passengers, he went towards the gangway, passing, as he
did so, Captain Hawkesford, who cast at him a supercilious and angry
glance, without returning his salute. Followed by Dick