were lifted to the dim starry skies, and her lips were moving as if in
prayer; yet her young lover was speaking to her in great emotion, low and
rapidly.

"No, no, do not think for a moment that we suspect you, Beatrice. I will
answer for your honour with my life. Oh, why will you turn from me; why
will you not speak?"

"A moment later," said Beatrice, softly. "Give me one moment yet." She
passed slowly and falteringly towards Leonard, placed her hand, that
trembled, on his arm, and led him aside to the verge of the vessel.
Frank, startled by her movement, made a step as if to follow, and then
stopped short and looked on, but with a clouded and doubtful countenance.
Harley's smile had gone, and his eye was also watchful.

It was but a few words that Beatrice spoke, it was but a sentence or so
that Leonard answered; and then Beatrice extended her hand, which the
young poet bent over, and kissed in silence. She lingered an instant;
and even by the starlight, Harley noted the blush that overspread her
face. The blush faded as Beatrice returned to Frank. Lord L'Estrange
would have retired,--she signed to him to stay.

"My Lord," she said, very firmly, "I cannot accuse you of harshness to my
sinful and unhappy brother. His offence might perhaps deserve a heavier
punishment than that which you inflict with such playful scorn. But
whatever his penance, contempt now or poverty later, I feel that his
sister should be by his side to share it. I am not innocent if he be
guilty; and, wreck though he be, nothing else on this dark sea of life
is now left to me to cling to. Hush, my Lord! I shall not leave this
vessel. All that I entreat of you is, to order your men to respect my