Come right off, and your berth will be ready, and away for round the world!" Here, to be sure, was immediate position--wages--employment--freedom from the intolerable burden of dependence; but it was accepted at the sacrifice of all his life's hopes.

True, that in those days the experiment of a sea-faring life had often, even in instances which he recalled, brought forth fortune and an ability to settle down in peaceful competence in after life.

But there was Diana.

Would she wait for him?
Encircled on all sides with lovers, would she keep faith with an adventurer gone for an indefinite quest?
The desponding, self-distrusting side of his nature said, "No.

Why should she ?" Then, to go was to give up Diana--to make up his mind to have her belong to some other.