et me entreat you to believe that they
exist, and perhaps are more numerous than you will think possible."

Of course Alick very sincerely protested that Stella and imperfection
could not be named together, except as contrasts, for he truly thought
so. She sighed, and then smiled, and the colonel cantering up cut short
the interesting conversation--interesting to the two persons concerned,
at all events.

"Stella, I find that we must start for Jamaica immediately," he said.
"If Captain Hemming cannot proceed there, we shall be compelled to go by
another vessel. A brig now in the harbour, I understand, sails for Port
Royal to-morrow; and though I would defer our departure for three days
longer, unless either of the men-of-war is to sail by the end of that
time, we must not lose the present opportunity."

"So soon!" ejaculated Stella. She said no more, for she no more thought
of inquiring the motive of her father's actions than of opposing his
wishes. Alick watched her countenance. It was graver and more sad than
he had ever seen it. Her lip quivered, but with a strong effort she
recovered herself, though she did not venture to trust her voice. Alick
knew that Captain Hemming would not sail before the return of the
drogher with his midshipmen, or should she not appear until he had
endeavoured to ascertain their fate. The colonel asked Murray's
opinion. Alick gave it, but advised him to apply to Captain Hemming on
the possibility of his sending the _Tudor_ on to Jamaica before the
frigate. His heart beat with hope that this might be done, and Stella's
countenance brightened when he spoke of it.

Their friends, the Houghtons, with whom Stella and her father were
staying, were much concerned when they heard of his determination.

"But must your daughter accompany you, colonel?" asked Mrs Houghton, a
good-natured, motherly dame, whose daughters were all married. "We
shall be delighted if Stella will remain with us, and we will find her
an escort when the frigate sails; though, for my part, I would not
hesitate to send a daughter of mine and a female attendant without one."

Stella did not express her thanks for this proposal with the warmth
which might have been expected. The colonel accompanied Murray to the
barracks, where they found the two captains. The colonel stated his
wishes. Captain Hemming regretted that he could not sail in time to
suit his convenience, but if Miss O'Regan would remain with the