"I conclude that you have decided to go," he said.

"Yes, sir. I shall be ready in a moment," I replied.

We were soon rattling over the pavements in a cab that had
been waiting at the door.

On arriving at the Northwestern Hotel we were informed that
a steamer would leave for New York at five in the morning.
We drove at once to the dock and having succeeded in making
comfortable arrangements for my passage Mr. Earl went aboard
the steamer with me. In a retired corner of the great cabin
I confessed to him that there was a girl in Liverpool for
whom I had a feeling of extraordinary tenderness.

He laughed heartily and insisted that I should tell him all
the particulars.

"You are rather young yet to entertain so serious a
passion," said he, as he held my hand for a moment before
going ashore. "You will get over it as easily as you got
into it."

I sat down, unable to reply or to restrain the tears that
came to my eyes as he left me alone. I went to my stateroom
at once and to bed. What thoughts came to me as I lay there
inviting sleep to turn them into dreams, while the great
ship waited for the tide! I tossed about my berth; I prayed;
I listened. At length I thought I heard my father's voice
mingled with others, and a sound of casting off--but I