The anchor was weighed with the usual cheery English chorus, and as the steam yacht headed into Dublin bay, Roderic, looking back to the beautiful city thus left behind, could not but be impressed.
It was a glorious summer day and the sight an inspiring one, for Kingstown harbor at this season of the year is usually thronged with pleasure craft as well as those of business.
Going out they passed the Holyhead steamer just entering.
Roderic could not but reflect with deep satisfaction what a great change had taken place in his own life since he trod the hurricane deck of that same steamer a short time before.
Truly events follow each other in rapid succession in some lives.
Providence seemed to be in an especially favoring mood with regard to his fortunes just at present.
If it would only continue.
He knew not what the future held—perhaps, could he have lifted the veil and obtained a glimpse of what adventures and perils lay in his path, the prospect might have appalled even his stout heart.
How mercifully the future is screened from our inquisitive eyes—could we but know, how idle would our struggles seem, and despair must often cause us to cease the hopeless contest.