My father tells me Sir Wycherly speaks of Mr.Thomas Wychecombe as his future heir." "Your father!--Ay, fathers look on these matters with eyes very different from their daughters!" "There is one thing about seamen that renders them at least safe acquaintances," said Mildred, smiling; "I mean their frankness." "That is a failing of mine, as I have heard.

But you will pardon an indiscretion that arises in the interest I feel in yourself.

The eldest of three brothers--is the lieutenant, then, a younger son ?" "_He_ does not belong to the family at all, I believe," Mildred answered, colouring slightly, in spite of a resolute determination to appear unconcerned.

"Mr.Wycherly Wychecombe is no relative of our host, I hear; though he bears both of his names.

He is from the colonies; born in Virginia." "_He_ is a noble, and a noble-looking fellow! Were I the baronet, I would break the entail, rather than the acres should go to that sinister-looking nephew, and bestow them on the namesake.