"
But the Seabird avoided all further dangers, and as it became dark
the lights of St. Helier's were in sight, and an hour later the
yacht brought up in the port and landed her involuntary passengers.
A fortnight afterwards the Seabird returned to England, and two
months later Mrs. Grantham had the satisfaction of being present
at the ceremony which was the successful consummation of her little
scheme in inviting Minnie Graham to be her companion on board the
Seabird.
"Well, my dear," her husband said, when she indulged in a little
natural triumph, "I do not say that it has not turned out well,
and I am heartily glad for both Tom and Minnie's sake it has so;
but you must allow that it very nearly had a disastrous ending, and
I think if I were you I should leave matters to take their natural
course in future. I have accepted Tom's invitation for the same party
to take a cruise in the Seabird next summer, but I have bargained
that next time a storm is brewing up we shall stop quietly in port."
"That's all very well, James," Mrs. Grantham said saucily; "but
you must remember that Tom Virtue will only be first mate of the
Seabird in future."
"That I shall be able to tell you better, my dear, after our next
cruise. All husbands are not as docile and easily led as I am.
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