nursed him like the proverbial woman. Rumour, in this
instance, did no more than justice to the truth; and over the

sickbed many confidences were exchanged, and clouds that had
been growing for years passed away in a few hours, and as

fond mankind loves to hope, for ever. Many long talks had
been fruitless in external action, though fruitful for the

understanding of the pair; but at last, one showery Tuesday,
the Squire might have been observed upon his way to the

cottage in the lane.
The old gentleman had arranged his features with a view to

self-command, rather than externalcheerfulness; and he
entered the cottage on his visit of conciliation with the

bearing of a clergyman come to announce a death.
The Admiral and his daughter were both within, and both

looked upon their visitor with more surprise than favour.
'Sir,' said he to Van Tromp, 'I am told I have done you much

injustice.'
There came a little sound in Esther's throat, and she put her

hand suddenly to her heart.
'You have, sir; and the acknowledgment suffices,' replied the

Admiral. 'I am prepared, sir, to be easy with you, since I
hear you have made it up with my friend Dick. But let me

remind you that you owe some apologies to this young lady
also.'

'I shall have the temerity to ask for more than her
forgiveness" target="_blank" title="n.原谅，饶恕；宽仁">forgiveness,' said the Squire. 'Miss Van Tromp,' he

continued, 'once I was in great distress, and knew nothing of
you or your character; but I believe you will pardon a few

rough words to an old man who asks forgiveness" target="_blank" title="n.原谅，饶恕；宽仁">forgiveness from his
heart. I have heard much of you since then; for you have a

fervent advocate in my house. I believe you will understand
that I speak of my son. He is, I regret to say, very far

from well; he does not pick up as the doctors had expected;
he has a great deal upon his mind, and, to tell you the

truth, my girl, if you won't help us, I am afraid I shall
lose him. Come now, forgive him! I was angry with him once

myself, and I found I was in the wrong. This is only a
misunderstanding, like the other, believe me; and with one

kind movement, you may give happiness to him, and to me, and
to yourself.'

Esther made a movement towards the door, but long before she
reached it she had broken forth sobbing.

'It is all right,' said the Admiral; 'I understand the sex.
Let me make you my compliments, Mr. Naseby.'

The Squire was too much relieved to be angry.
'My dear,' said he to Esther, 'you must not agitate

yourself.'
'She had better go up and see him right away,' suggested Van

Tromp.
'I had not ventured to propose it,' replied the Squire. 'LES

CONVENANCES, I believe - '
'JE M'EN FICHE,' cried the Admiral, snapping his fingers.

'She shall go and see my friend Dick. Run and get ready,
Esther.'

Esther obeyed.
'She has not - has not run away again?' inquired Mr. Naseby,

as soon as she was gone.
'No,' said Van Tromp, 'not again. She is a devilish odd girl

though, mind you that.'
'But I cannot stomach the man with the carbuncles,' thought

the Squire.
And this is why there is a new household and a brand-new baby

in Naseby Dower House; and why the great Van Tromp lives in
pleasant style upon the shores of England; and why twenty-six

individual copies of the THYMEBURY STAR are received daily at
the door of Naseby House.

End

• squire [skwaiə] n.护卫，侍从；乡绅 (初中英语单词)
• cottage [´kɔtidʒ] n.村舍；小屋；小别墅 (初中英语单词)
• admiral [´ædmərəl] n.海军上将，舰队司令 (初中英语单词)
• visitor [´vizitə] n.访问者；来宾；参观者 (初中英语单词)
• throat [θrəut] n.咽喉；嗓子；出入口 (初中英语单词)
• distress [di´stres] n.痛苦 vt.使苦恼 (初中英语单词)
• character [´kæriktə] n.特性；性质；人物；字 (初中英语单词)
• pardon [´pɑ:dən] n.&vt.原谅；饶恕；赦免 (初中英语单词)
• advocate [´ædvəkit] n.辩护者 (初中英语单词)
• forgive [fə´giv] vt.原谅，谅解，宽恕 (初中英语单词)
• movement [´mu:vmənt] n.活动；运动；动作 (初中英语单词)
• stomach [´stʌmək] n.胃；胃口，食欲 (初中英语单词)
• external [ik´stə:nəl] a.外部的；外面的 (高中英语单词)
• fruitful [´fru:tfəl] a.成功的；丰富的 (高中英语单词)
• clergyman [´klə:dʒimən] n.牧师；教士 (高中英语单词)
• forgiveness [fə´givnis] n.原谅，饶恕；宽仁 (高中英语单词)
• cheerfulness [´tʃiəfulnis] n.高兴，愉快 (英语六级单词)
• acknowledgment [ək´nɔlidʒmənt] n.承认；鸣谢 (英语六级单词)
• devilish [´devəliʃ] a.魔鬼般的，凶恶的 (英语六级单词)