taken it into my head that Mr Massey
may be able to regain his ancestral property. You know I am somewhat
romantic, and I should be so delighted to see you mistress of Tramore
Castle."

"I am afraid there is very little hope of that," said Norah; "nor am I
ambitious, but shall be content to enjoy with my dear Owen the limited
fortune we shall be able to muster."

They had just reached the most secluded part of the road, when they
heard footsteps behind them; and Norah, looking round, saw a man
following, his figure shrouded in a Spanish cloak, a broad-brimmed hat
ornamented with a feather drawn down over his brow, partly concealing
his countenance. The end of a scabbard which appeared beneath his cloak
showed that he was a gentleman, while his firm though hurried step gave
proof of what was of still more consequence, that he was perfectly
sober. As he passed them he lifted his hat, an act which served rather
to conceal further than to show his features. After going on a short
distance he stopped; then, facing about, walked rapidly towards them.

"Miss Tracy," he exclaimed, "I have been impelled by an irresistible
power to endeavour to see you, and I am more fortunate than I expected.
Will your fair friend favour me by going on a few paces before us, while
I speak what I wish to reach no other ear but yours?"

"Who is this gentleman?" exclaimed Ellen. "Is it your wish that I
should do as he requests?"

"Oh no, no! do not leave me on any account," whispered Norah, tightly
grasping Ellen's arm. "Surely you must be under a mistake, sir, and
take me for some one else," she continued, turning to the stranger.

"Miss Tracy, your features, your voice, your figure, are all too
indelibly impressed upon my mind," he replied. "Do not you remember the
last words I spoke to you ere we parted?"

Norah, on hearing this, was still more convinced than at first that the
stranger was under a mistake. And yet the stranger had addressed her by
name! Could he be out of his senses?

"Know you not that you have inspired the deepest and most devoted
affection, which death alone can destroy?" he continued. "To meet you
again I have gone through difficulties and dangers which would otherwise
have appeared insuperable; and can you be so cold-hearted as to regard
with indifference a love so ardent and true?"

His voice as he spoke had more of a tone of anger than affection in it.

"I must not listen to such language as this," an