“Yes,” I answered; “and he is even now waiting to see you.”
“Oh, take me to him! take me to him!” she cried out.
Mr and Mrs Dear accompanied her to the house, and, leading her to the drawing-room door, left her with her long-lost parent.
I need scarcely say that Captain Falconer next day made his appearance at the house, and before he went away Mr Raglan gladly accepted him as a son-in-law.
I was glad to find that Captain Renton was again to take command of the Phoebe, though I should have preferred sailing with Captain Falconer. He, however, it had been arranged, in consequence of his marriage, should remain on shore for a year or two, to superintend the fitting out of Messrs Dear and Ashe’s ships.
I made two voyages in the Phoebe, and returned on the last as her first mate. So high a character did Captain Renton give me, that my employers promised me the command of a ship they were about to despatch to the West Indies. I passed the short time I was able to spend on shore in visiting Mr Dear and Captain and Mrs Falconer, with whom Captain Raglan, for I was glad to find he was promoted, resided.
My ship, the Ellen, was at length ready for sea. I felt as proud as I suppose most young officers do, when they first assume the command of a fine vessel; and as I surveyed the Ellen, I was satisfied that she was all I could desire.
“You need not be jealous of Falconer,” said Mr Dear, who accompanied me on board. “You have now got a wife of your own, and I hope she will prove true and faithful.”
Being allowed three mates, I offered the berth of third mate to Dick, who, though no navigator, was as good a seaman as I could desire to have under me.
“I am obliged to you, Captain Laurel, but I am afraid I ha’n’t make much of a hand of the quadrant, or managing those chronometer affairs,” he answered, modestly; “though I know the stars pretty well, and can dot down what is wanted in the log.”