"I was aboard the same vessel as Mr. Barton for more than a year," said the tar, with the respectful manner with which he would have spoken to any lady.
"You must have seen much of him then?"
Ned only bowed, thinking to himself "a good deal too much."
As he did not seem inclined to be communicative, the partial mother tried to draw him out by an observation! "My son usually makes himself a great favourite wherever he goes."
Bessy nudged her brother's arm, but Ned did not speak at the hint.
Lady Barton's gloved hand closed more tightly over the little piece of gold which it hid; rather less graciously she inquired whether Mr. Barton had been quite well when the sailor had seen him last.
Ned paused for a moment before he replied. "There was nothing much the matter with his health."
The tender mother took alarm from his hesitation as well as his words.
"Not much the matter?" she anxiously repeated. "Was Mr. Barton not well, was he obliged to keep his cabin?"
"Only for a few days, lady," said Ned, sincerely desirous to relieve her.