Since then there had
been no certainty in any of his movements.
"Darling mother," said Paul, "I must see the world."
And Sir Charles had snorted and chuckled, as was his habit.
So they sailed away from Marseilles, this party of three, like a gunboat
under sealed orders. A cruise to the Greek Isles, and beyond, was what they
said attracted them. "Especially the beyond!" Captain Grigsby had added,
with a grunt to Sir Charles. And if the ardour of love and impatience
boiled in Paul's veins, the spirit of interested adventure animated his old
friend and his parent.
They had not spoken much on the subject to the young man. He had briefly
asked Mark Grigsby to do him this service to take him to a far sea in the
new _Blue Heather_, and there to land him when he should give the word.
May was a fair month, and an adventure is an adventure all the world over,
so Mark Grigsby had given a joyful assent.
Then Sir Charles had suggested accompanying them, and was welcomed by the
other two as a third for their party with extra pleasure.
"I shall grow a young man again before I have done, Grig!" he had said
happily. But down in his heart lurked some undefined fear for Paul, and
that was the real reason for his journey.
They had a pleasant voyage, and picked up letters at Naples, which only
added to Paul's impatience to be there.
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