At last, after a rapid voyage, they drew near the English coast; and then General Rolleston, who had hitherto spared her feelings, and been most indulgent and considerate, felt it was high time to come to an understanding with her as to the course they should both pursue.
"Now, Helen," said he, "about the Wardlaws!"
Helen gave a slight shudder. But she said, after a slight hesitation, "Let me know your wishes."
"Oh, mine are not to be too ungrateful to the father, and not to deceive the son."
"I will not be ungrateful to the father, nor deceive the son," said Helen, firmly.
The general kissed her on the brow, and called her his brave girl. "But," said he, "on the other hand, it must not be published that you have been for eight months on an island alone with a convict. Anything sooner than that. You know the malice of your own sex; if one woman gets hold of that, you will be an outcast from society."
Helen blushed and trembled. "Nobody need be told that but Arthur; and I am sure he loves me well enough not to injure me with the world."
"But he would be justified in declining your hand, after such a revelation."
"Quite. And I hope he will decline it when he knows I love another, however hopelessly."
"You are going to tell Arthur Wardlaw all that?"