I have told her you would excuse the intrusion, and receive her carving and attentions as an excuse for her company." Bluewater looked at the pallid countenance of the girl, and never before had he found the resemblance to Agnes Hedworth so strong, as that moment.

The last year or two of his own sweet friend's life had been far from happy, and the languid look and tearful eyes of Mildred revived the recollection of the dead with painful distinctness.
"Good God!" he murmured to himself; "that two such beings should exist only to suffer! my good Mrs.Dutton, make no excuses; but believe me when I say that you could not have found in England another that would have proved as welcome as my present little messmate." Mildred struggled for a smile; and she did succeed in looking extremely grateful.

Beyond this, however, it exceeded her powers to go.

Mrs.
Dutton was gratified, and soon left the two to partake of their neat, but simple meal, by themselves; household duties requiring her presence elsewhere.
"Let me persuade you to take a glass of this really excellent port, my child," said Bluewater.

"If you had cruised as long as I have done, on the coast of Portugal, you would know how to value a liquor as pure as this.