CHAPTER XXXVI.
"Isabel .-- Anywhere to avoid matrimony: the thought of a husband is terrible to me.
Inis .-- But if you might choose for yourself, I fancy matrimony would be no such frightful thing to you." "_The Wonder._" The _Boadicea_, with the Indiamen, proceeded on to their destination, Captain Carrington taking every opportunity which light winds and smooth water afforded him of paying his respects to the ladies on board of the _Bombay Castle_, or of inviting them on board of the frigate.

The fact was that he had fallen most desperately in love with Isabel Revel, and paid her the most marked attention; but, although a pleasant, light-hearted companion, and a young man of good family and prospects, Isabel Revel had not fallen in love with him: she liked his company, but nothing more.
In a month the squadron had arrived at the island of St Helena, to which Captain Carrington had been ordered to convoy them: his directions were then to cruise in a certain latitude, and ultimately to proceed on to the East Indies, if he did not fall in with the vessels he expected.

It was, therefore, but parting to meet again; but during the short time that they refitted and completed their water at St Helena, Captain Carrington proposed, and was politely refused by Isabel Revel.

Impatient as a boy who has been denied his plaything, he ordered his stores immediately on board, and the next day quitted the island.

It may appear strange that a young lady, obviously sent out on speculation, should have refused so advantageous an offer; for the speculation commences with the voyage.