human
Not for the worse, I hope. You, too, have changed, Master Ranty.
gpt
Well, not much, I think; I have grown five or six feet taller, and my complexion has become a genteel brown; but, otherwise, I am the same Ranty Lawless I went away.
human
A little quieter, I should hope, for the peace and well-being of the community at large. Do you still retain the high opinion you had of yourself before you left?
gpt
Yes, slightly increased, said Ranty, who had now recovered all his customary nonchalance of manner.
human
There was a little lady out with us from England whose precious life I had the pleasure of saving; and with whose raven eyes and coal-black hair I would have fallen in love, but for the thought of a dear little blue-eyed fairy at home, who promised to wait for me until I could come back. Do you remember that promise, Erminie?
gpt
I only remember you were very absurd, said Erminie, laughing and blushing.
human
Don't talk nonsense; but tell me how you were so fortunate as to save the lady's life?
gpt
Well, one windy evening, a little before dark, this little Lady Rita, who by the way, though the haughtiest, sauciest young damsel I ever encountered, was quite courageous, came upon deck, and insisted on remaining there, in spite of all expostulations to the contrary. She was leaning over the side, and I was standing near, watching her, for want of something better to do, when the vessel gave a sudden lurch round. I heard a scream, and beheld the place where her little ladyship had lately stood vacant. I caught sight of her the next moment struggling in the waves; and, in a twinkling, I was in after her. Lady Rita, who had hitherto looked down upon me and all the rest of us with sublimest hauteur and vestal prudery, made not the slightest objection to be caught in my arms now; on the contrary, she held on with an energy that nearly strangled me. A boat was lowered, and we were fished up, clinging to each other, as if bound to hold on to the last gasp. Lady Rita, according to the incomprehensible custom of the female sex in general, fainted stone dead the moment she found herself in safety. It's interesting to faint, and I was looking round for a nice place to follow her example; but upon second thoughts I concluded I wouldn't. There were no nice young ladies round who understood my case; and to be tickled with burnt feathers, and be drenched with cold water by a lot of sailors, was not to be thought of. Lady Rita was carried to the cabin; and a great fuss and commotion reigned there for the next two or three hours, while I was taking life easy, smoking a cigar on deck. Then the earl, her 'parient,' made his appearance, and completely deluged me with gratitude and thanks, which I stood like a hero, until the countess also came. Her tears and protestations of everlasting gratitude were a little too much, and I fled. I blush to say it, but I beat an inglorious retreat, for thanks are things one easily gets a surfeit of.
human
Why, Ranty, you have sailed in high company lately, said Erminie;
gpt
So you ought; and I hope you'll continue to cherish the feeling. But, Erminie, do you know--though, as you have never seen him, it's likely you don't--but you have the most wonderful resemblance to Lord De Courcy I ever beheld in my life.
human
Lord De Courcy!
gpt
Yes, Lord and Lady De Courcy are at present in Washington City. The earl says he always felt a desire to visit this country; but, hitherto, circumstances prevented him. The countess is a lovely woman--one of the most beautiful, I think, I ever saw; and as good as she is beautiful, every one says.
human
I have heard of her before, said Erminie, in a low, subdued tone.
gpt
Mr. Toosypegs saw her many years ago, when he was in England. At least, I imagine it was her; for she was the wife of the old earl's son, and Mr. Toosypegs says that since the death of his father he has been Lord De Courcy.
human
Yes, so he has, said Ranty;
gpt
Well, it is not unusual for strangers to resemble one another; though I suppose I ought to feel flattered by looking in the remotest degree like one so great and distinguished. How much I should like to see them both! said Erminie, musingly.
human
I have heard so much about them from Mr. Toosypegs, and--another, that my curiosity is quite excited. And their daughter--this Lady Rita--was that what you called her? By the way, Ranty, I never heard they had a daughter.
gpt
Yes, they had two; the oldest died, I believe, when a child; and Lady Rita--well, some say she is not their daughter, but an adopted child. I don't know how that may be; though, certain it is, she does not look like either of them--not half so much as you do, Erminie. Both of them have very fair complexions, while Lady Rita is as dark as a creole. The countess, to be sure, has dark hair and eyes; but still her haughty little daughter does not resemble her in the least.
human
Do they remain here long? said Erminie, half musingly.
gpt
Oh, Ranty, how much I should like to see them!
human
Well, perhaps you may; in the overflowing of their gratitude, they made me promise to visit them _en famille_, while they remained; and if you'll only consent to keep your promise, and become Mrs. Lawless, why, you can come with me, and I know they will be delighted to welcome my wife.
gpt
Nonsense, Ranty, said Erminie, a little impatiently,
human
Well, all I have to say about it is, that there will be a case of 'breach of promise' up before the court one of these days, if you attempt to back out. Are you prepared to pay me five or six thousand dollars damages, as a plaster for my wounded feelings, may I ask, Miss Germaine?
gpt
As if your affections were worth one-tenth that sum, Mr. Lawless! Now, do be sensible, if you can, and tell me how long you are going to stay home.
human
As to being sensible, Miss Germaine, I flatter myself I am that now; and my stay, or departure, must depend in a great measure on you.
gpt
Now, Ranty, I shall get angry if you don't stop being so nonsensical! said Erminie, flushing slightly.
human
I did hope going to sea would have put a little sense into your head; but I perceive it has had quite a contrary effect. I wish you could see Ray. These six years have made him as grave and thoughtful as a judge. I expect he will be quite famous in his profession yet.
gpt
Well, I wish him joy of it, said Ranty.
human
But how any man can reconcile it to his conscience to be a lawyer, while honest, straight-forward piracy is flourishing in the South Seas, and old-fashioned, upright brigands infest the Pyrenees, is beyond my comprehension! However, every one to their taste; and, luckily, this is a free country. Good-by, now, Miss Germaine. Fate and the approach of night compels me to be off; but you may look out for me an hour or so before day-dawn to-morrow.
gpt
Now Ranty Lawless, said that gentleman to himself, when fairly on the road,