self looked grave and sad. Was it the account of
her uncle's state of health which made her so or was it--vain puppy that
I felt myself--because we were about to part--perhaps for ever.

How distant the prospect appeared, with the numberless vicissitudes of a
sailor's life intervening, when we might hope to meet again! Could we
venture to indulge that hope? Should we ever meet? Should I not rather
be prepared to part for ever? I would not allow myself to be overcome
by a thought so full of agony.

"Miss Carlyon!" I gasped out, and I drew my breath, while I felt as if
I could not utter another word.

"Hurricane Hurry!" said a low voice within me, "what are you about? Act
like a man!" However, I did not feel a bit the wiser. "Miss Carlyon,"
I began again, "I have almost completed the duty I was sent on. You and
your aunt will soon be within the lines of General Washington's camp."

She looked very grave, and I thought pained. I continued: "I must now
return with all speed to my ship, though--though--" I could not for the
life of me find words to express what I wanted to say.

"Mr Hurry must be aware how deep an obligation he has conferred upon my
aunt, and we should have been glad if we could have avoided making his
duty irksome," said Miss Carlyon in a low, deep voice, while the colour
came into her cheeks for an instant and then fled, leaving her paler
than before.

I was certain her voice trembled as she uttered the last words.

"Irksome!" I exclaimed. "Oh, Miss Carlyon, how could you for a moment
think so? It has been the most delightful duty I ever performed. Duty
did I call it? It has been unspeakable joy and happiness to me, almost
from the time you came on board my vessel, to feel that I was of service
to you; that you were under my care and protection. Day after day that
feeling increased, till it has grown into a part of my being. It would
be my delight to feel that I could spend my life in the same way. Why
should I conceal it? You may not care for me--you will return to your
own people, and perhaps scarcely ever cast a thought on the rough sailor
who is tossing about on the wild ocean; but he never, never can forget
the days of intense happiness he has passed in your society, in watching
your every look, in serving you with a true and faithful love--in--"

The temper of the Hurrys was breaking forth with a vengeance.

"Oh no, no; do not say those words!" she exclaimed; "I do--I do r