They did come, all but Mr. Bazalgette, who was at work in his study.  Mr. Talboys came up to the piano and said gravely, “Miss Fountain, are you aware of the fate of the lugger—­of the boat we went out in?”

Indeed I am.  I have sent the poor widow some clothes and a little money.”

“I have only just been informed of it,” said Mr. Talboys, “and I feel under considerable obligations to Mr. Dodd.”

“The feeling does you credit.”

“Should you meet him, will you do me the honor to express my gratitude to him?”

“I would, with pleasure, Mr. Talboys, but there is no chance whatever of my seeing Mr. Dodd.  His sister is staying in Market Street, No. 80, and if you would call on them or write to them, it would be a kindness, and I think they would both feel it.”

“Humph!” said Talboys, doubtfully.  Here a servant stepped up to Miss Fountain.  “Master would be glad to see you in his study, miss.”

“I have got something for you, Lucy.  I know what it is, so run away with it, and read it in your own room, for I am busy.”  He handed her a long sealed packet.  She took it, trembling, and flew to her own room with it, like a hawk carrying off a little bird to its nest.  She broke the enormous seal and took out the inclosure.  It was David Dodd’s commission.  He was captain of the Rajah, the new ship of eleven hundred tons’ burden.

While she gazes at it with dilating eye and throbbing heart, I may as well undeceive the reader.  This was not really effected in forty-eight hours.  Bazalgette only pretended that, partly out of fun, partly out of nobility.  Ever since a certain interview in his study with David Dodd, who was a man after his own heart, he had taken a note, and had worked for him with “the Company;” for Bazalgette was one of those rare men who reduce performance to a certainty long before they promise.  His promises were like pie-crust made to be eaten, and eaten hot.

Lucy came out of her room, and at the same moment issued forth from hers Mrs. Bazalgette in a fine new dress.  It was that black glace; silk, divested of gloom by cheerful accessories, in which she had threatened to mourn eternally Lucy’s watery fate.  Fire flashed from the young lady’s eyes at the sight of it.  She went down to her uncle, muttering between her ivory teeth:  “All the same—­all the same;” and her heart flowed.  The next minute, at sight of Mr. Bazalgette it ebbed.  She came into his room, saying:  “Oh, Uncle Bazalgette, it is not to thank you—­that I can never do worthily; it is to ask another favor.  Do, pray, let me spend this evening with you; let me be where you are.  I will be as still as a mouse.  See, I have brought some work; or, if you would but let me help you.  Indeed, uncle, I am not a fool.  I am very quick to learn at the bidding of those I love.  Let me write your letters for you, or fold them up, or direct them, or something—­do, pray!”