serious apprehensions; he will be fit for duty again
shortly. You saw how quickly I doctored up Mr Massey, in whom, if I am
not wrongly informed, Miss Norah here takes an interest."

Norah looked conscious. "Young people have hearts, and small blame to
them if they fall in love now and then," remarked the doctor; "and now,
my pretty maidens, good-bye to you, for I want to hear more about the
battle. I could not let my patient tell me. Remember, I leave him
under your charge, but I must lay an embargo on your tongues; talking,
or listening to talking, isn't good for wounded men, though you may sing
him to sleep with your sweet voices."

Owen was well enough to accompany Mrs Massey when she returned Norah's
visit, and, moreover, to stroll with her into the garden. He now first
heard of O'Harrall's conduct; his brow flushed as she told him, but he
restrained his feelings, and did not let even her know that he had
assisted his rival's escape.

"Could the fellow have been aware that she was my betrothed wife, and
yet, after such conduct, ventured to claim my protection? I am thankful
I did not then know of his behaviour; I might have been tempted to
refuse him my aid." Such were the thoughts which passed through Owen's
mind. "However, bold as he is, he is not likely again to appear in this
neighbourhood."

Owen and Norah, having each other's society, forgot how the time went
by, till Gerald came hurrying up to call them into the house. He had
just returned from his visit to the _Champion_; he was full of what he
had heard of her engagement with the _Coquille_. Two officers had been
killed, and two, besides Mr Foley, wounded; three men had been killed,
and several wounded. The Frenchman, instead of being sent to the
bottom, having knocked away the _Champion's_ main-topmast and cut up her
rigging, had managed to get off and run out of sight before her damages
could be repaired. Captain Olding had chased in the direction the
_Coquille_ had last been seen, but had failed to come up with her, and
was compelled to steer for Waterford.

"And, do you know, Norah," continued Gerald, "I've made up my mind to go
on board a man-of-war. They all say that Captain Olding will take me,
and place me on the quarter-deck, if Mr Ferris introduces me and would
say a word in my favour; so if our father approves of it, I hope to go
at once, instead of waiting for the _Ouzel Galley_."

"If it would better promote your fortune to