'Yes; I have no doubt of that, madam; and I suspect he has had a dear, good mother. Ah! it is these mothers that make men what they ought to be. I had a dear, good mother once. I never shall forget her; she taught me a great many good things, when she used to lean over me in my bed. What a different man I should have been had I minded her; but, thank God, I hope I have not forgotten them all.'
A tear might have been seen bedewing an eye that had met the shock of battle, and the rush of the tempest, without a twinkle.
'But, bless my soul! are these two cherubs your daughters?—a kiss, girls; a kiss.'
There was no affectation in their honest hearts, and they received a hearty salutation without blushing any more than might have been expected.
'Do you think, Commodore,' said Mrs. Morris, 'our hero has betaken himself away!'
'The rogue! I wanted to have given him a good sailor's squeeze; and to tell him how happy I am to find that he has a true sailor's heart. But I see how it is; he had rather do a good deed than be praised for it. Will you tell him for me, madam,' turning to Mrs. Oakum, 'that I should be pleased to see him at my house as early to-morrow morning as his engagements will permit? Again, allow me, madam, to wish you much happiness in your new abode, and many, many years to enjoy it in.'
The Commodore bowed to the whole circle, and offering his arm to Mrs. Morris, led her to the carriage.
CHAPTER XV.
'Mr. Oakum, good morning to you; you will excuse me for omitting your title; although, if you must have it, I should prefer the one which your old friend Peter has adopted, and call you Captain Sam. I am glad to see you, sir; walk in.'