‘I am sure the man means kindly,’ said I, my eyes beginning to smart with tears which I could not suppress, ‘but it renders my situation truly awful to understand that you and Mr. Harris consider I stand in need of the sort of assistance your first mate offers.’
‘Remember, madam,’ said Captain Ladmore gently, ‘that on your arrival in England you will need a friend if you are still unable by that time to tell us who your friends are, and to what part of the world you belong.’
‘I would far rather die than accept Mr. Harris’s offer,’ said I, with a shudder.
‘Let us then allow the matter to rest,’ said the captain; ‘no harm has been done.’
‘How dare he make such a proposal through you?’ cried I. ‘He may mean well, but how does he know who I am?’
‘He is willing to take all risks,’ said the captain; ‘but you do not entertain his proposal, and the matter therefore ends.’
We both rose at once from our chairs.
‘You have shown me the greatest kindness since I have been on board,’ said I, ‘and some further great kindness yet I will ask of you. It is that as the master of this ship you will command Mr. Harris not to speak to me about marriage.’
‘I will do so,’ said he.
‘I will beg you to command him to hold aloof from me, for I wish to have nothing to say to him.’