“At least he ought to be.”
“Do you think, my son,” asked Mr. Wharton, “there is no danger of his betraying you?”
“Why—no; I reflected on that before I trusted myself to his power,” said the captain, thoughtfully. “He seems to be faithful in matters of business. The danger to himself, should he return to the city, would prevent such an act of villainy.”
“I think,” said Frances, adopting the manner of her brother, “Harvey Birch is not without good feelings; at least, he has the appearance of them at times.”
“Oh!” cried his sister, exulting, “he has loyalty, and that with me is a cardinal virtue.”
“I am afraid,” said her brother, laughing, “love of money is a stronger passion than love of his king.”
“Then,” said the father, “you cannot be safe while in his power—for no love will withstand the temptations of money, when offered to avarice.”
“Surely, sir,” cried the youth, recovering his gayety, “there must be one love that can resist anything—is there not, Fanny?”
“Here is your candle; you keep your father up beyond his usual hour.”
[5] An island more than forty leagues in length lies opposite the coasts of New York and Connecticut. The arm of the sea which separates it from the main is technically called a sound, and in that part of the country par excellence, the Sound. This sheet of water varies in its breadth from five to thirty miles.