ched to him, mourned him bitterly as one dead.
But instead of being lost at sea, he had been picked up, the only
survivor of the shipwrecked vessel, by Moorish pirates, who, taking him
into their country, sold him as a slave.

"He managed to make his escape somehow, about six months ago, though he
had a terrible time of it; but he succeeded getting on board an English
vessel, which was just about leaving for America."

"But how did he come to meet with Miss Wiltshire?"

"Why the vessel put into the place where Agnes was conveyed by the
Captain of the fishing schooner, who went to her rescue, and, of course,
Agnes gladly availed herself of the opportunity to return home, and this
accounts, in part, for their intimacy."

"And how did Mr. Clifford meet with his mother? Surely he did not expect
to find her here?"

"No; it was a very singular coincidence. Mr. Bernard happened to be at
Mr. Denham's when Agnes, accompanied by Mr. Clifford, arrived there; and
in the course of subsequent conversation with him, Mr. Bernard
ascertained that he was the son of the very lady who was then a guest at
his dwelling, and, of course, insisted that he, also, should be a
partaker of his hospitality."

"What a strange circumstance," loudly ejaculated the attentive listener,
"and how delighted the old lady must have been. You know I was out of
town at the time, and never heard the rights of the matter."

"Yes, I remember, and the old lady, as you say, was indeed delighted, so
much so, that at first she was completely overcome. She took immediately
to her bed, from which she has not been able to rise, till within the
last few weeks."

"Ah, so that is the reason they have resided so long at Mr. Bernard's."

"That is one reason, but I strongly suspect there is another and
greater," was the reply, as the younger lady, observing that Mr. Bernard
had approached, and stood by a table near examining some very
exquisitely carved ornaments, thought it a good opportunity to give him,
without pretending to notice his proximity, some little
information,--information which might hereafter aid in accomplishing her
own well-planned schemes.

"You said he had another reason for remaining so long, did you not,
Maria?"

"Oh, yes, and one palpable enough to any person who has eyes. Just look
yonder, and you will see for yourself."

Mr. Bernard involuntarily raised his eyes, and glanced at the spot
indicated. At a side-table, a little apart from the