“Many have been passed since you reached the ship.”
“Ay, many that are inconvenient; but, when one shall be gained where his pursuits will allow his ship to enter?”
“Such places are not common.”
“But, should it occur, do you not think he will permit us to land? We have gold to pay him for his trouble.”
“He cares not for gold. I never ask him for it; that he does not fill my hand.”
“You must be happy, then. Plenty of gold will compensate for a cold look at times.”
“Never!” returned the boy, with quickness and energy. “Had I the ship filled with the dross, I would give it all to bring a look of kindness into his eye.”
Mrs Wyllys started, no less at the fervid manner of the lad than at the language. Rising from her seat, she approached nigher to him, and in a situation where the light of the lamp fell full upon his lineaments. She saw the large drop that broke out from beneath a long and silken lash, to roll down a cheek which, though embrowned by the sun, was deepening with a flush that gradually stole into it, as her own gaze became more settled; and then her eyes fell slowly and keenly along the person of the lad, until they reached even the delicate feet, that seemed barely able to uphold him. The usually pensive and mild countenance of the governess changed to a look of cold regard, and her whole form appeared to elevate itself, in chaste matronly dignity, as she sternly asked,—
“Boy, have you a mother?”
“I know not,” was the answer that came from lips that scarcely severed to permit the smothered sounds to escape.