Portuguese rovers, and the mustee,[1] who commanded them? I tell you I hate to think it possible, and yet I believe a man utterly without hope might come to be such a wretch as that!"
"You never would," said Beaudésir, "and I never should; I know it. Even hope may be dispensed with if memory remains. My pity is for those who have neither."
"I could not live without hope," resumed the Captain, cheerily. "I own I do hope most sincerely, at some future time, for a calmer and happier lot than this; a lot that would also make the happiness of another; and that other so gentle, so trusting, and so true!"
Eugène looked in his face surprised. Then he smiled brightly, and laid his hand on his friend's shoulder.
"It will come!" he exclaimed; "never doubt it for a moment. It will come! do you remember what I said to you of my skill in fortune-telling? I repeat, success is written in your face. What you really wish and strive to attain is as sure to arrive at last as a fair wind in the trades or a flood-tide at full moon."
"I hope so," returned the Captain; "I believe it. I suppose I am as bold as my neighbours, and luckily it never comes across me when there's anything to do; but sometimes my heart fails when I think, if I should go down and lose my number, how she'll sit and wonder, poor thing, why I never come back!"
"Courage, my Captain!" said Eugène, cheerily, affecting the tone and manner of their old corps. "Courage. En arant! à la Mousquetaire! You will lose nothing, not even the cargo; we shall return with both pockets full of money. You will buy a château. There will be a fete at your wedding: I shall bring there my violin, and, believe me, I shall rejoice in your happiness as if it were my own."
"She is so young, so beautiful, so gentle," continued the Captain; "I could not bear that her life should be darkened, whatever comes of me. If, at last, the great happiness does arrive, Eugène, I shall not forget my friend. Château or cottage, you will be welcome with your violin. You would admire her as I do; we both think alike on so many subjects.
- ↑ The progeny of a white and a Quadroon, sometimes called an Octoroon.
