“Ay, Madam; our lives are active here. And some there are among us, too, who love both ship and Commander.”
“And have you mother, or friend, to profit by your earnings?”
“Have I”—
Struck with the tone of stupor with which the boy responded to her queries, the governess turned her head, to read, in a rapid glance, the language of his countenance. He stood in a sort of senseless amazement looking her full in the face, but with an eye far too vacant to prove that he was sensible of the image that filled it.
“Tell me, Roderick,” she continued, careful not to alarm his jealousy by any sudden allusion to his manner; “tell me of this life of yours. You find it merry?”
“I find it sad.”
“’Tis strange. The young ship-boys are ever among the merriest of mortals. Perhaps your officer treats you with severity.”
No answer was given.
“I am then right: Your Captain is a tyrant?”
“You are wrong: Never has he said harsh or unkind word to me.”