The Young Rajah | Page 2

His costume was that of a seaman, but no one

could suppose that he was a common sailor. His manner was
distinguished, his good looks remarkable, and the tone of his voice and
language refined. He was still very young, being scarcely more than
eighteen or nineteen years of age. He was on familiar terms with the
officers of the ship, and mingled with the passengers without any
objection being made by the captain. He spoke Hindostanee fluently,
and addressed the Lascars in their own tongue; while he showed an
intimate acquaintance with Indian manners and customs, as well as
with those of China and the East generally. The hot suns of Eastern
seas had tanned his cheeks and given him almost the appearance of an
Oriental. The only account the captain gave of him was that his name
was Reginald Hamerton, and that he had come home with him from
India on his last voyage, and had, during a heavy gale, exhibited much
courage and nautical knowledge. Many thought, from his dark skin,
classical features, and flashing eye, that there was Indian blood in his
veins; and it was whispered that he was the son of a resident at the
court of some native prince, and that his mother was the rajah's
daughter: but of this the captain said he knew nothing. He spoke
English perfectly, was well educated, and had the manners of a young
man accustomed to the best society. He conversed freely with every
one, but it was observed that he was extremely reticent about himself,
never alluding to his past life or his future prospects. Still he seemed
perfectly at his ease about them; nor did he speak like a person who had
any doubts as to what he should do on his arrival in India.
Altogether, there was a perfect mystery about him, which increased the
interest his personal appearance was calculated to excite,--at all events,
among the fairer portion of the passengers. He was courteous and
attentive to all the ladies; but it was remarked at length that he was
more frequently seen in conversation with Violet Ross than with any
one else. If her eye brightened when he came near, that was but natural;
as also that she should prefer talking to him to listening to the remarks
made to her by the cynical Captain Hawkesford,--who evidently
regarded young Hamerton with a feeling of dislike, which he exhibited
whenever he had an opportunity by a haughty and contemptuous
manner towards him. Colonel Ross, on the contrary, treated Reginald in
a kind and friendly way, and appeared to have no objection to his

conversing with Violet on deck, or to any of the attentions he paid her.
The third officer being ill, young Hamerton, as he was generally called,
took his place; and few could have failed to remark the officer-like
style in which he carried on duty, or the clear, ringing voice in which
he issued his orders,--displaying to advantage his well-knit figure as he
walked the deck with telescope under his arm, or with his hand to his
mouth, his fine head thrown back, shouting to the crew. Violet's eye
was wont to watch him as he moved about the deck, and a gentle flush
mounted on her cheek whenever he came near and bent down to speak
to her.
Captain Hawkesford scarcely concealed his jealousy, and expressed it
in remarks which he seemed to wish should reach Reginald's ear. "As
the young sailor was to all appearance working his passage, he should
not venture to make himself so familiar with those who were above him
in rank and position. For his part, he was surprised that Captain Lyford
allowed him to dine in the cabin, when he ought to mess with the other
junior officers."
If Reginald did hear what was said, he took no notice of Captain
Hawkesford's remarks, but appeared to be quite as much at his ease as
at first.
One day while he was attending to some duty forward, Captain
Hawkesford took a seat near Violet, and endeavoured to make himself
agreeable to the best of his power. She listened, for without rudeness
she could not avoid doing so; but no smile played around her mouth,
while her answers were mostly in monosyllables. Colonel Ross at
length coming near, she jumped up and took his arm, saying that she
should like to enjoy a walk for a few minutes. Captain Hawkesford
looked excessively annoyed, but did not attempt to accompany her.
After a short time Reginald came aft, when the gong sounded for dinner.
She said a few words to him as she went below; upon which he
followed with a haste he seldom exhibited, and, as the passengers took
their seats, slipped into a chair on one