CHAPTER XXIII.
Oh! the golden-hearted daisies, Witnessed there before my youth, To the truth of things, with praises Of the beauty of the truth .-- E.

B.BROWNING.
"Margaret, see here." The doctor threw into her lap a letter, which made her cheeks light up.
Mr.Ernescliffe wrote that his father's friend, Captain Gordon, having been appointed to the frigate Alcestis, had chosen him as one of his lieutenants, and offered a nomination as naval cadet for his brother.

He had replied that the navy was not Hector's destination, but, as Captain Gordon had no one else in view, had prevailed on him to pass on the proposal to Harry May.
Alan wrote in high terms of his captain, declaring that he esteemed the having sailed with him as one of the greatest advantages he had ever received, and adding that, for his own part, Dr.May needed no promise from him to be assured that he would watch over Harry like his own brother.

It was believed that the Alcestis was destined for the South American station.
"A three years' business," said Dr.May, with a sigh.

"But the thing is done, and this is as good as we can hope." "Far better!" said Margaret.