"Yes, that's nice, of course, and Captain James is a very pleasant sort of man to sit near, at table or anywhere. There, he's shaking hands with that Cuban gentleman. Do you know him?"
"Not in the least," said mamma, and Hilda murmured, "Only he is very polite," and smelled of the flowers again.
A moment later, Mr. Bonnycastle was presenting Captain James, who made his passengers welcome, in his own hearty fashion, saying:
"Going straight down to Havana, I hope? I was just telling Mr. Pampalona that we'll have a splendid run, and get there in time for the Christmas Holidays."
"No, we shall stay some weeks at Nassau, before we go to Cuba," replied Mrs. Waterston. "We are invited to make a visit to Governor Burleigh and his family, relatives of ours."
"Pampalona? That's the name of the proprietor of Las Palmas, the next estate to La Caridad, your new possession, Mrs. Waterston," said Mr. Bonnycastle, who was, in fact, the wealthy widow's lawyer and confidential adviser.
"Is it really? I wonder—perhaps Captain James would know."
Thus appealed to, the captain crossed over to the young Cuban, and brought him up to be presented to the ladies and Mr. Bonnycastle.
He did this, just as Mark Trecothick, repenting his refusal, came on deck again, seeking an introduction to the fair friends of his friend. The first thing he saw was the Cuban bowing profoundly and bafeheaded before Mrs. Waterston and her daughter, while Bonnycastle, like a beneficent but portly fairy-godmother, smiled amiably upon all concerned.
"Pshaw!" muttered Trecothick, crossly. But as he
