OR THE DESERT ISLAND. 159

CHAPTER XXIV.

‘Delicacy of Friendship — Return to France — Arrival at Home —
Future Career.

Wuen Philip appeared on deck he had the mortification
- to experience from all the officers a cold and repulsive re-
ception. He suspected that his rapid promotion and
humble birth were the causes of this deportment to him.
Perhaps some of them had their prejudices on this score ;
but the chief cause was the irregularity of his conduct
after he first entered the ship. They thought him un-
worthy of promotion, and not a fit companion for gentle-
men. :

When the count returned, in place of finding his friend
cheerful and happy, as he had expected, he saw him pro-
menading the deck sadly and alone. He inquired the
reason, and Philip related to him all the mortifications he
had undergone in his absence. ‘1 had come upon deck,”
he added, “full of good will towards every one, hoping
that I should find each of the officers as generous and affa-