more than a mere form. Even if you meet with the happy woman in my
lifetime, honestly tell me of it, and I promise to tell her that
she has only to wait.

"In the meantime, don't think, because I write composedly, that I
write heartlessly. You pleased and interested me when I first saw
you at the public meeting. I don't think I could have proposed
what you call this sacrifice of myself to a man who had personally
repelled me, though I have felt my debt of gratitude as sincerely
as ever. Whether your ship is safe or whether your ship is lost,
old Mary Callender likes you, and owns it without false shame.

"Let me have your answer this evening, either personally or by
letter, whichever you like best."

Mrs. Callender received a written answer long before the evening.
It said much in few words:

"A man impenetrable to kindness might be able to resist your letter.
I am not that man. Your great heart has conquered me."

The few formalities which precede marriage by special license were
observed by Ernest. While the destiny of their future lives was
still in suspense, an unacknowledged feeling of embarrassment on
either side kept Ernest and Mrs. Callender apart. Every day brought
the lady her report of the state of affairs in the City, written
always in the same words: "No news of the ship."

On the day before the ship-owner's liabilities became due the terms
of the report from the City remained unchanged, and the special