"In the meantime, don't think, because I write composedly, that Iwrite heartlessly. You pleased and interested me, when I first saw you, at the public meeting. I don't think I could have proposed, what you call this sacrifice of myself, to a man who had personally repelled me--though I might have felt my debt of gratitude as sincerely as ever. Whether your ship is saved, or whether your ship is lost, old Mary Callender likes you--and owns it without false shame.
"Let me have your answer this evening, either personally or by letter--whichever you like best."
VIII.
MRS. CALLENDER received a written answer long before the evening.
It said much in few words:
"A man impenetrable to kindness might be able to resist your letter. I am not that man. Your great heart has conquered me."The few formalities which precede marriage by special license were observed by Ernest. While the destiny of their future lives was still in suspense, an unacknowledged feeling of embarrassment, on either side, kept Ernest and Mrs. Callender apart. Every day brought the lady her report of the state of affairs in the City, written always in the same words: "No news of the ship."
IX.