We drove at once to the dock and having succeeded in making comfortable arrangements for my passage Mr.Earl went aboard the steamer with me.

In a retired corner of the great cabin I confessed to him that there was a girl in Liverpool for whom I had a feeling of extraordinary tenderness.
He laughed heartily and insisted that I should tell him all the particulars.
"You are rather young yet to entertain so serious a passion," said he, as he held my hand for a moment before going ashore.

"You will get over it as easily as you got into it." I sat down, unable to reply or to restrain the tears that came to my eyes as he left me alone.

I went to my stateroom at once and to bed.
What thoughts came to me as I lay there inviting sleep to turn them into dreams, while the great ship waited for the tide! I tossed about my berth; I prayed; I listened.

At length I thought I heard my father's voice mingled with others, and a sound of casting off--but I heard no more..