In the sorrow of that moment Emmeline's promise of composure was again forgotten; she clung weeping to Mary's neck, till her father, with gentle persuasion, drew her away, and almost carried her on deck.
Herbert yet lingered; they were alone in the cabin, the confusion attendant on a departure preventing all fear of intruders.

He clasped Mary to his heart, in one long passionate embrace, then hastily placing the trembling girl in the arms of her mother, he murmured almost inaudibly-- "Mrs.Greville, dearest Mrs.Greville, guard, oh, guard her for me, she will be mine; she will return to bless me, when I may claim and can cherish her as my wife.

Talk to her of me; let not the name of Herbert be prohibited between you.

I must not stay, yet one word more, Mrs.
Greville--say, oh, say you will not refuse me as your son, if three years hence Mary will still be mine.

Say your blessing will hallow our union; and oh, I feel it will then indeed be blessed!" Overpowered with sudden surprise and unexpected joy, Mrs.Greville gazed for a moment speechlessly on the noble youth before her, and vainly the mother struggled to speak at this confirmation of her long-cherished hopes and wishes.
"Mother," murmured Mary, alarmed at her silence, and burying her face in her bosom, "mother, will you not speak, will you not bid us hope ?" "God in Heaven bless you, my children!" she at length exclaimed, bursting into tears of heartfelt gratitude and joy.