"If you admire a vessel so much, Grace," I said, "you will probably be glad to hear that I think of becoming a sailor."
A silence of near two minutes succeeded, during which time I affected to be gazing at the distant sloops, and then I ventured to steal a glance at my companions. I found Grace's mild eyes earnestly riveted on my face; and, turning from their anxious expression with a little uneasiness, I encountered those of Lucy looking at me as intently as if she doubted whether her ears had not deceived her.
"A sailor, Miles!"--my sister now slowly repeated--"I thought it settled you were to study law."
"As far from that as we are from England; I've fully made up my mind to see the world if I can, and Rupert, here--"
"What of Rupert, here?" Grace asked, a sudden change again coming over her sweet countenance, though I was altogether too inexperienced to understand its meaning. "_He_ is certainly to be a clergyman--his dear father's assistant, and, a long, long, _very_ long time hence, his successor!"
I could see that Rupert was whistling on a low key, and affecting to look cool; but my sister's solemn, earnest, astonished manner had more effect on us both, I believe, than either would have been willing to own.
"Come, girls," I said at length, putting the best face on the matter, "there is no use in keeping secrets from _you_--but remember that what I am about to tell you _is_ a secret, and on no account is to be betrayed."
"To no one but Mr. Hardinge," answered Grace. "If you intend to be a sailor, he ought to know it."
"That comes from looking at our duties superficially," I had caught this phrase from my friend, "and not distinguishing properly between their shadows and their substance."
"Duties superficially! I do not understand you, Miles. Certainly Mr. Hardinge ought to be told what profession you mean to follow. Remember, brother, he now fills the place of a parent to you."
"He is not more _my_ parent than Rupert's--I fancy you will admit that much!"
"Rupert, again! What has Rupert to do with your going to sea?"
"Promise me, then, to keep my secret, and you shall know all; both you and Lucy must give me your words. I know you will not break them, when once given."