"I have a few words to say to my son," said the Admiral. "I will bid you good-bye here," and with the ceremonious courtesy of that age, he took leave of Captain Acton and the ladies, who proceeded to their carriage, where they were cordially welcomed by the passionate barking of the pug and the terrier.
Mr Lawrence's eye reposed upon Lucy's figure whilst his father was bidding the party farewell, whilst she walked away on Captain Acton's right, Aunt Caroline strutting and leaning with some affectation on her crutch-cane on his left, the three much saluted by the people who lingered on the wharf, as they went. The young fellow's eyes still reposed upon the girl even as the Admiral came stumping across the planks pounding them with his staff as he walked.
"Well," said he, "I suppose you kept your appointment this morning with Captain Acton."
"Oh, certainly, and his reception was all that I could have expected at his hands."
"Are the terms pretty satisfactory?"
"Twelve pounds a month, and ten per cent. commission on the freight."
"On the freight?"
"On the money earned by the carriage of cargo, sir."
"I understand," said the Admiral. "This should prove a very good offer—very good terms. What will this ship carry?"
Mr Lawrence reflected as though mentally gauging depth of hold and breadth of beam, and answered, "I think when flush she should hold six hundred tons."