"Mrs Lascelles," said Pickersgill, "before we part, allow me to observe,
that it is _you_ who have induced me to give up my profession--"
"Why me, Mr Pickersgill?"
"You said that you did not like it."
Mrs Lascelles felt the force of the compliment. "You said, just now,
that you hated the name of Pickersgill: why do you call yourself so?"
"It was my smuggling name, Mrs Lascelles."
"And now, that you have left off smuggling, pray what may be the name we
are to call you by?"
"I cannot resume it till I have not only left this vessel, but shaken
hands with, and bid farewell to, my companions; and by that time, Mrs
Lascelles, I shall be away from you."
"But I've a great curiosity to know it, and a lady's curiosity must be
gratified. You must call upon me some day, and tell it me. Here is my
address."
Pickersgill received the card with a low bow: and Lord B. coming on
deck, Mrs Lascelles hastened to meet him.
The vessel was now passing the Bridge at the Needles, and the smuggler
piloted her on. As soon as they were clear and well inside, the whole
party went down into the cabin, Lord B. requesting Pickersgill and
Corbett to join him in a parting glass. Mr Stewart, who had received the
account of what had passed from Cecilia, was very attentive to
Pickersgill, and took an opportunity of saying, that he was sorry that
he had said or done anything to annoy him. Every one recovered his
spirits; and all was good humour and mirth, because Miss Ossulton
adhered to her resolution of not quitting the cabin till she could quit
the yacht.
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