uerite;
Ah, Charlie! how careful you would be did you know of the presence of
that dark-faced Jacques with his evil designs.

Unconsciously Jacques had placed himself in an excellent position to
hear and see all that was going on, as immediately beneath the bushes in
which he had hidden himself there was a large block of granite on which
the lovers sat down to await Hirzel, who was coming up from the bay.
Little they knew what power they were putting in the hands of one who
would not scruple to use it to the utmost.

"So your father is still against me, Marguerite?"

"Yes, Charlie; and that dreadful Jacques is persecuting me as much as
ever with his impertinent attentions. Only this evening he brought me
some bobbins which I told him he might take elsewhere."

"That reminds me I have brought with me those I have been making;
perhaps, though, you prefer those made by our dark friend, eh!
Marguerite?"

"Don't jest about him, Charlie; it frightens me even to think of him. I
am sure he would work you a mischief if he could."

"Ah! Marguerite, don't alarm yourself. The worst mischief he can work is
to bring a shade on your sweet face. All this evening I have noticed a
troubled look in those grey eyes of yours, which must be banished ere I
see you again. You surely do not think I am frightened at what such a
fellow as that can do! But what have I done with the bobbins? I hope I
have not dropped them. Ah! well! I suppose I did not bring them with me
after all, but I promise you shall have them two nights hence."

"No, Charlie, you must not come near here again for some time, as I am
certain there is danger, and I would far rather wait to see you until
you can come with safety. I feel there is something wrong going on
between my father and Jacques."

"Nonsense, Marguerite; you really must not have these idle fancies. I
shall come over in the evening after dark. You come up this path, and
show the light of a lantern three times if all is well. Then I will
start from our barracks, and come as quickly round the cliffs as I can.
You return to the mill, and go to the granary; I will climb up the mill
wheel. If I remember rightly, the granary window is just over the wheel.
Then I shall be able to speak to you for a few minutes, and bring the
precious little bobbins."

"Halloo! Charlie, where are you, and what have you done with my sister?"

"Oh! there is Hirzel. How he frightened me," exclaimed Marguerite, who
evidently f