Amber sprang into his arms. She had grown into a tall girl of nearly fifteen, budding into womanhood and beauty: promising perfection, although not yet attained to it. William Aveleyn was also nearly half a foot taller; and a blush which suffused his handsome face at being surprised alone with Amber, intimated that the feelings of a man were superseding those of boyhood.
"Where is my mother?" inquired Newton.
"She is not at home, dear Newton," replied Amber; "she walked out with your father. They are both well."
"And my uncle?"
"Quite well, and most anxious to see you. He talks of nobody but you, and of nothing but your actions, which we were just reading about when you came in. Pray, Captain Newton, may I inquire after your French friends? What has become of them?"
"They are at Sablonniere's hotel, Miss Amber; they have obtained their parole at the Alien-office."
The conversation was interrupted by the return of Newton's father and mother, and shortly afterwards Mr John Forster made his appearance. After the first greetings and congratulations were over—
"Well, Newton," observed Nicholas, "so you beat off a pirate, I hear."
"No, my dear father, we boarded one."
"Ah! very true; I recollect—and you killed Surcoeuf."