"And you will forgive me for speaking so plainly to you, brother?" said the girl, holding out her thin, wasted hand.
His reply was a silent press.
It was now time to attend church, and accompanied by Viner, they proceeded on their way towards the house of God. On the road they met Ned, who was going down to the beach, his back turned towards the place of worship. He stopped to wish Viner and his daughter good morning, but took no notice whatever of the convict's son.
"Where are you going, Ned?" said Viner.
"Down to the boat," replied the youth. "I shall take a sail while the sunshine lasts, I have not had one for the last three days."
"I wish that you would come with us to church," said Nelly, in her gentle persuasive tones.
"No, no! The morning service is so long—maybe I shall in the afternoon. Mind, I make no rash promises," laughed the boy; "I am no great churchgoer, you know!"
"I wish that I could persuade you, Ned," said Viner gravely but kindly, "that the only way to real happiness is to fear God and keep His commandments."
"Let me be happy in my own way for a while," cried Ned. "I dare say that I shall think like you one of these days, when I am a sober, gray-headed old man."
"Life is uncertain," interrupted Viner.