other's arms; they cried over each other--it was pitiful.

At last the cruel summons came; they shuddered, as if it was their
death-blow. Christopher, with a face of agony, was yet himself, and
would have parted then: and so best. But Rosa could not. She would see
the last of him, and became almost wild and violent when he opposed it.

Then he let her come with him to Milbay Steps; but into the boat he
would not let her step.

The ship's boat lay at the steps, manned by six sailors, all seated,
with their oars tossed in two vertical rows. A smart middy in charge
conducted them, and Dr. Staines and Lord Tadcaster got in, leaving Rosa,
in charge of her maid, on the quay.

"Shove off"--"Down"--"Give way."

Each order was executed so swiftly and surely that, in as many seconds,
the boat was clear, the oars struck the water with a loud splash, and
the husband was shot away like an arrow, and the wife's despairing cry
rang on the stony quay, as many a poor woman's cry had rung before.

In half a minute the boat shot under the stern of the frigate.

They were received on the quarter-deck by Captain Hamilton: he
introduced them to the officers--a torture to poor Staines, to have his
mind taken for a single instant from his wife--the first lieutenant came
aft, and reported, "Ready for making sail, sir."

Staines seized the excuse, rushed to the other side of the vessel,