Helen moved quickly, but Georgiana's steps lingered; she had a question to ask that would not leave her lips, yet would not be repressed, and she looked from one to the other of the worthy couple, as if reading in the countenance which would be the most likely to answer. At length, whilst her hand was in that of her kind host, she said, "Pray, sir, has Mr. Hales—Lieutenant Hales—really sailed, as the newspapers said?"
"He has, Georgiana, and a worthier man or a better officer is not on the sea, wide as it is, and many fine fellows as there are on its bosom. I have seen a great deal more of him, from circumstances that have occurred, than I expected to do, and I never read a brighter page in human nature than that young fellow's heart presented to me."
Georgiana did not attempt any reply, for none appeared called for, but her eyes told how sweet were the words she heard to her heart, and how truly the speaker had judged what would console her for the loss she had had the last time she saw him. Not a word more was uttered.
Lady Anne listened to Helen's negotiation with profound attention; that Mr. Palmer should ever meet her again flattered her pride of rank, since she thought no other motive than a mean subserviency to the possessor of a title could induce him to forgive, or rather to get over, the many offences she had within a week or two practised towards him, and which, it must be allowed, savoured of ingratitude, all things considered;
