n left more to nature."

"Ah, if you could see Jersey! How you would delight in my own native
island!" exclaimed Captain Dupin; "it contains just the scenery you
would appreciate."

"I can assure you that in Ireland we have most romantic and beautiful
scenery," answered Ellen; "and in the county of Kerry are the lovely
Lakes of Killarney, such as I believe all strangers consider the most
romantic in the world."

"Ah, I know nothing of Ireland, though I may hope some day to be better
acquainted with it," said the captain.

The other two stood aloof, as if they did not consider themselves of
sufficient consequence to address the young ladies to whom their
commander was speaking. Ellen, offering to show Captain Dupin the
aviary, led the way along the terrace. Norah followed by herself,
leaving the two lieutenants in conversation with Mr Ferris. The elder
of the two after a little time stepped forward, and Norah, looking
round, found him walking by her side.

"Is this spot as attractive as some of the scenes you have visited in
the West Indies, Miss Tracy?" he asked, speaking low.

Norah started as she heard the voice; but looking at the speaker, whose
countenance she failed to recognise, she asked, "How do you know that I
have been in the West Indies, Mr Macarthy?"

"I heard from a seaman who came on board the _Orestes_ that you had
accompanied your father on board the _Ouzel Galley_," he answered
quietly. "Irishmen are wonderfully communicative, you know. It is an
unusual thing for young ladies to take such a voyage in time of war."

"I sailed before war had broken out, or I am very sure my father would
not have taken me," she replied, banishing the idea which had flashed
across her mind. "He probably heard from the seaman that a young lady
was staying with Miss Ferris, and thus guessed who I was," she thought
to herself.

After again going round the grounds, the party returned to the house,
where the other guests had begun to assemble. Captain Dupin and his
officers were duly introduced and cordially welcomed to Waterford.
Among others, Lieutenant Vinoy was brought up by the host.

"Though you gentlemen would look upon each other as enemies were you to
meet on the ocean, here, I trust, you will be friends," said Mr Ferris.
The officers bowed politely.

"I ave moche plaisir to meet Monsieur le Capitaine Dupin in dis
hospitable maison," said the French lieutenant; "if ve evare encounter
vis one anodar