The whaling voyage was still exciting his ambition, however, and he began to enquire of every one he thought likely to know, when the people of Hudson would send their first ship to the South Sea.

Then the thought of leaving Mattie would depress his spirits, and for a time shake his resolution.
The trouble with him at first was how he could separate from his parents; now his love for Mattie was added to his obstacles.
Chapman had not failed to notice this little affair of the affections between the young people.

He had noticed, also, that it had attracted the attention of his wife.

But neither had spoken of it.

In short, Chapman was anxious to have his wife refer to it first, to see in what light she viewed it.