"That was one of Tempest's capers to a dot," said Uncle Joshua, "but go
on, Bill, and tell us whether the disappointment killed you or not."
So William proceeded: "Instead of my bride, I found a note from Inez, in
which she asked pardon for what she had done, saying she had long loved
Sir Arthur, but did not dare tell me so. They were going to England,
whither she wished me to send a part of her portion, as her husband was
not wealthy. I could understand Inez's character perfectly, and could
readily see that she preferred a titled but poor Englishman to a wealthy,
but plain American, so I gave her up quietly."
"And was mighty glad to get shut of her so," interrupted Joshua.
"From that time," continued William, "I gave up all thoughts of marriage,
and devoted myself to increasing my wealth, and spending it for my own
comfort and the good of others. Twelve years ago I chanced to go on board
the Delphine, and there I found Ashton."
"Look at him, for gracious sake," said Uncle Joshua, pointing toward
Ashton. "Why man, you are as white as one of Judy's biscuit; what ails
you?"
"Nothing," answered Ashton, who really was much affected by Mr.
Middleton's narrative; but he said, "I am only thinking of the long, weary
days I passed in the Delphine before Mr. Middleton kindly cared for me."
This seemed quite natural, and Mr. Middleton continued: "Ashton was wasted
to a mere skeleton by ship fever, and my heart yearned toward him. Perhaps
I felt a stronger sympathy for him when I learned that he was an American.
He, like myself, had run away. The vessel, in which he had embarked, had
been wrecked, and he, with two others, were saved in a small boat. For
days they floated above the broad expanse of waters until at length the
Delphine picked them up, and brought them to India. I had Ashton removed
to my house, but as soon as he recovered, he took French leave of me. From
that time I lived alone. I wrote to you frequently, but got no answer. My
letters must have been lost, but I then concluded you were dead. At last I
began to have such an ardent desire to tread my native soil once more that
I disposed of my property and set out for home, so here I am and have told
you my history; what do you think of it?"