ting the amount of monetary accommodation which I should require
from him. This--thanks to the exceptionally favourable terms upon which
I had acquired the ownership of the _Esmeralda_--was so very small that
I undertook the obligation with a light heart; and, having completed
this part of my business to my entire satisfaction, I hastened back to
town, my mother accompanying me in order that we might have as much as
possible of each other's society during the short interval that was to
elapse before the sailing of the ship.

On my return to London, I found that a small portion of our cargo had
already come alongside. I therefore lost no time in advertising the
ship as "loading for China direct, with excellent accommodation for
saloon and steerage passengers;" and then, in a leisurely manner,
proceeded to make the necessary purchases of ship's and cabin stores,
filling in the time by taking my mother about to such concerts,
picture-galleries, and other places of amusement, as accorded with her
quiet and refined tastes.

One morning, about a week after my return to town, being on board the
ship and down below, superintending a few trifling alterations that I
was having made in my own state-room, the mate, who was taking account
of the cargo that was being shipped at the moment, came aft and shouted
down the companion to the effect that a lady and gentleman had come on
board and were inquiring for me. I accordingly went on deck, and there
found a very handsome man, in the prime of life, and a very lovely woman
of about three and twenty, standing on the main deck, just by the break
of the poop, curiously watching the operation of slinging some heavy
cases, and lowering them through the main hatchway.

"Captain Saint Leger?" queried the gentleman, bowing and slightly
raising his hat in acknowledgment of my salute as I approached him.

"That is my name," I replied. "In what way can I be of service to you?"

"I have come down to inspect your passenger accommodation, in the first
place," said he; "and afterwards--in the event of its proving
satisfactory--to see whether I can come to an arrangement with you for
the whole of it."

"I am sure I shall be very pleased to do everything I possibly can to
meet your views," said I. "If you will kindly step below, I will show
you the cabins; and although we are rather in a litter everywhere just
at present, you will perhaps be able to judge whether the accommodation
is likely