The Enterprise had been despatched to Antigua, and Edward thought this an excellent opportunity to pay a visit to Clara d'Alfarez: he therefore, upon his return, hove-to off the usual headland, and soon perceived the white curtain thrown out of the window.
'There it is, sir,' said one of the midshipmen who was near him—for he had been there so often that the whole crew of the Enterprise were aware of his attachment—'she has shown her flag of truce.'
'A truce to your nonsense, Mr. Warren,' replied Edward, laughing; 'how came you to know anything about it?'
'I only judge by cause and effect, sir; and I know that I shall have to go on shore and wait for you to-night.'
'That's not unlikely; but let draw the foresheet; we must now get behind the headland.'
The youngster was right: that evening, a little before dark, he attended his commander on shore, the Enterprise lying-to with a lantern at her peak.
'Once more, dearest Clara!' said Edward, as he threw off her long veil and pressed her in his arms.
'Yes, Edward, once more—but I am afraid only once more; for my maid, Inez, has been dangerously ill, and has confessed to Friar Ricardo. I fear much that, in her fright (for she thought that she was dying), she has told all. She is better now.'
'Why should you imagine so, Clara?'
'Oh, you know not what a frightened fool that Inez is when she is ill! Our religion is not like yours.'