Goatley said, "Your heart is in it still, sir. Not one of us all but
says it is a pity such a noble captain should be lost as a landsman,
with nothing to do but to lock the door on a lady."

"Speak not of it, my good Goatley," said Richard, hastily, "or you
will set me dreaming and make me mad."

"Then it is indeed so," returned Goatley. "Wherefore then come you
not, sir, where a crew is waiting for you of as good fellows as ever
stepped on a deck, and who, one and all, are longing after such a
captain as you are, sir? Wherefore hold back while still in your
prime?"

"Ask the mistress, there," said Richard, as he saw his Susan's white
face and trembling fingers, though she kept her eyes on her work to
prevent them from betraying their tears and their wistfulness.

"O sweet father," burst forth Humfrey, "do but go, and take me. I am
quite old enough."

"Nay, Humfrey, 'tis no matter of liking," said his father, not
wishing to prolong his wife's suspense. "Look you here, boy, my Lord
Earl is captain of all of his name by right of birth, and so long as
he needs my services, I have no right to take them from him. Dost
see, my boy?"

Humfrey reluctantly did see. It was a great favour to be thus argued
with, and admitted of no reply.

Mrs. Talbot's heart rejoiced, but she was not sorry that it was time