CHAPTER XXII.
A short time passed ere the generous heart of the elder of these brothers experienced a shock which was as great an infliction to his feelings as if he had been positively deprived of his birthright, his position in society, any, or all, of the good things which Providence had bestowed on him. He was received with the fondest possible welcome by his grandfather and an aged sister, who resided with him, and had been the constant friend and first instructor of their beloved Frederic; nor was Arthur met with less affection, although much less known, because they held him in the light of an heroic preserver to their greatest treasure. A very short time served to prove how worthy he was both of their love and esteem; the manly sincerity, the professional simplicity and openness of his heart, with the sweetness of his cheerful temper, and that novel way of looking at the world peculiar to the noble-spirited and unhackneyed seaman, rendered him equally dear and delightful to all around him. Mrs. Margaretta Hales (who ne'er had changed, or wished to change, her name) declared that, in three days, he had done her more good for a rheumatic affection than
