Happiness, he said, seemed opening before her; he implored her to allow him to share that happiness with her.

The rest of the letter was read most jubilantly aloud.

It told of news which had come to Newcombe from Honduras Gulf: great news, wonderful news, which would make the heart sing.

Major Bonnet was at Belize.

He had given up all connection with piracy and was now engaged in mercantile pursuits.