And then, if I went,--if I
did go, in opposition to the wishes of the baronet, could I trust my
own prudence? It was better for all parties that I should remain.
"Sir William," said I, after a minute's consideration, "if you will
apologise to me for the gross insults you have offered me, it shall
be as you say."
"Mr. Jones," said Sir William, "I do apologise for the words which I
used to you while I was labouring under a very natural misconception
of the circumstances." I do not know that I was much the better for
the apology, but at the moment I regarded it sufficient.
Their things were then hurried down to the strand, and I accompanied
them to the ruined quay. I took off my hat to Sir William as he was
first let down into the boat. He descended first, so that he might
receive his niece,--for all Jaffa now knew that it was a lady,--and
then I gave her my hand for the last time. "God bless you, Miss
Weston," I said, pressing it closely. "God bless you, Mr. Jones,"
she replied. And from that day to this I have neither spoken to her
nor seen her.
I waited a fortnight at Jaffa for the French boat, eating cutlets of
goat's flesh, and wandering among the orange groves.
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