I would have preferred you to meet me in my naval uniform, but as that is now, to say the least, inconvenient, and as I reside on shore in the capacity of a merchant or business man, I attire myself to suit my present condition.

Ah! my good brother-in-law, I am glad to see you.

I may remark," he added, graciously shaking hands with Dame Charter, "that I left my faithful Scotchman in our storehouse in the town, it being necessary for some one to attend to our possessions there.

Otherwise I should have brought him with me, my good Dame Charter, for I am sure you would have found his company acceptable.

He is a faithful man and an honest one, although I am bound to say that if he were less of a Presbyterian and more of a man of the world his conversation might sometimes be more agreeable." Mr.Delaplaine regarded with much earnestness and no little pleasure his transformed brother-in-law.