CHAPTER XIX.
RICHARD BURNS HIS BOATS.
It was strange enough that day after day and week after week went by without John Trevethick making any reference to the application his guest had made for his daughter's hand.

His silence certainly seemed to favor it; and the more so since, notwithstanding what he knew, he put no obstacles in the way of the young people's meeting and enjoying each other's society as heretofore.

Perhaps he had too strong a confidence in Harry's sense of duty, or in the somewhat more than filial fear in which she stood of him.

Perhaps Richard's prudent and undemonstrative behavior toward the girl in the presence of others deceived him.

But, at all events, the summer came and still found Richard under the same roof with Harry, and more like one of the family than ever.