he had never aspired to any more intimate relationship), he would ignore
the trade altogether, and that he would despatch Mr. Faulkner, his first
officer, to the owners in Cuba with the ship he had himself taken in
charge.

Having been brought up from childhood upon the sea, he had never studied
the morality of the trade in which he was now engaged. But the nice
sense of honor which was so strong a characteristic of his nature, only
required the gentle influence of a sweet and refined nature like her
with whom providence had so opportunely thrown him, to reform him
altogether of those rougher ideas which he had naturally imbibed in the
course of his perilous and daring profession. In the presence of that
fair and pure-minded girl he was as a child, impressible, and ready to
follow her simplest instructions. All this betokened a native refinement
of soul, else he could never have evinced the pliability which had
rendered him so pleasant and agreeable a companion to her he secretly
loved.

"Lady," he said to her as they sat together that afternoon, "Heaven has
sent you for a guardian angel to me; your refining influence has come to
my heart at its most lonely, its most necessary moment. I have done with
this trade, never more to engage in it."

"That is honorable, noble in you, Captain Ratlin, so promptly to
relinquish all connection with a calling, which though it affords
fortune and command, can never permit you self-respect."

"The ship will probably be despatched within these two weeks, and then I
will take any birth in legitimate commerce, where I may win an honorable
name and reputation."