"My dear child," said Lord Glenarvan, "there is something so
providential in the whole affair, that we have every reason to hope.
We are not going, we are led; we are not searching, we are guided.
And then see all the brave men that have enlisted in the service
of the good cause. We shall not only succeed in our enterprise,
but there will be little difficulty in it. I promised Lady Helena
a pleasure trip, and I am much mistaken if I don't keep my word."

"Edward," said his wife, "you are the best of men."

"Not at all," was the reply; "but I have the best of crews and the best
of ships. You don't admire the DUNCAN, I suppose, Miss Mary?"

"On the contrary, my lord, I do admire her, and I'm a connoisseur
in ships," returned the young girl.

"Indeed!"

"Yes. I have played all my life on my father's ships.
He should have made me a sailor, for I dare say, at a push,
I could reef a sail or plait a gasket easily enough."

"Do you say so, miss?" exclaimed John Mangles.

"If you talk like that you and John will be great friends,
for he can't think any calling is equal to that of a seaman;
he can't fancy any other, even for a woman. Isn't it true, John?"

"Quite so," said the captain, "and yet, your Lordship, I must confess