'Mr. Van Tromp, I implore you,' he said; 'do what you please

with yourself, but, for God's sake, let your daughter alone.'

'It is my duty,' replied the Admiral, 'and between ourselves,

you rogue, my inclination too. I am as matchmaking as a

dowager. It will be more discreet for you to stay away to-

night. Farewell. You leave your case in good hands; I have

the tact of these little matters by heart; it is not my first

attempt.'

All arguments were in vain; the old rascal stuck to his

point; nor did Richard conceal from himself how seriously

this might injure his prospects, and he fought hard. Once

there came a glimmer of hope. The Admiral again proposed an

adjournment to the 'Trevanion Arms,' and when Dick had once

more refused, it hung for a moment in the balance whether or

not the old toper would return there by himself. Had he done

so, of course Dick could have taken to his heels, and warned

Esther of what was coming, and of how it had begun. But the

Admiral, after a pause, decided for the brandy at home, and

made off in that direction.

We have no details of the sounding.

Next day the Admiral was observed in the parish church, very

196

Tales and Fantasies