They could only take comfort in believing
that he was really ashamed, and that he suffered enough within to be
a warning against the vice itself.
As to Fernando, he made no sign, he went on as if nothing had
happened; and nothing was observable about him, but that he showed
himself intensely weary of his present mode of life, put on at times
the manners that were either those of the Spanish Don or of the
Indian Cacique, and seemed to shrink from the prospect of the English
tutor. Yet he continued his preparation for baptism, and Mr. Bevan
was satisfied with him; but Mr. Audley was perplexed and unhappy over
the reserve that had sprung up between them, and could not decide
whether to make another attempt or leave the lad to himself.
One afternoon, only ten days from the time fixed for the Bishop's
visit, Mr. Audley returned from a clerical meeting to find an
unexpected visitor in the room--namely, Alfred Travis, Fernando's
uncle, a more Americanised and rougher person than his brother. He
rose as he entered. 'Good morning, Mr. Audley; you have taken good
care of your charge. He is fit to start with me to-morrow. See a
surgeon in town--then to Liverpool--'
'Indeed!' Mr.
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