“That was to have been my fortune,” said Francisco, with a grave smile; “but I would not touch it.”
“Very right, boy!—a fine principle! But we are not quite so particular,” said the admiral. “Now, where’s the young lady? Let her know that dinner’s on the table.”
A fortnight after this conversation, Captain Manly returned with the treasure; and the Enterprise, commanded by another officer, returned from Porto Rico, with a letter from the governor in reply to one from the admiral, in which the rescue of his daughter by Edward had been communicated. The letter was full of thanks to the admiral, and compliments to Edward; and, what was of more importance, it sanctioned the union of the young officer with his daughter, with a dozen boxes of gold doubloons.
About six weeks after the above-mentioned important conversation, Mr Witherington, who had been reading a voluminous packet of letters in his breakfast-room in Finsbury Square, pulled his bell so violently that old Jonathan thought his master must be out of his senses. This, however, did not induce him to accelerate his solemn and measured pace; and he made his appearance at the door, as usual, without speaking.
“Why don’t that fellow answer the bell?” cried Mr Witherington.
“I am here, sir,” said Jonathan, solemnly.
“Well, so you are! but, confound you! you come like the ghost of a butler!—But who do you think is coming here, Jonathan?”
“I cannot tell, sir.”
“But I can!—you solemn old! Edward’s coming here!—coming home directly?”
“Is he to sleep in his old room, sir?” replied the imperturbable butler.