more romantic bower.

The captain, by his successful voyages, had been able to save a
sufficient sum to live in comfort, with a handmaiden, Biddy O'Halloran,
to attend on him and his daughter, and a gessoon to look after the cows
and pigs and to work in the garden. Still, notwithstanding her present
happiness, it was but natural that poor Norah should reflect that in a
short time Owen must sail away in command of the _Ouzel Galley_, and be
subject to all the dangers of the sea, increased in war time by the
chance of being captured by the enemy. He and her father were now
absent all day long, attending to the fitting out of the ship, which was
making rapid progress. Her owners had decided on sending her back to
the West Indies, and Owen assured Norah that, as he should probably find
a cargo waiting for him, he should not be long absent. She paid
frequent visits to Ellen, who could heartily sympathise with her.
Lieutenant Foley had entirely recovered from his wound, and would have
to rejoin the _Champion_ as soon as she arrived in the harbour, in which
she was every day expected. Norah thought that the lieutenant deserved
all the praises bestowed on him by Gerald, though of course he was not
equal, in her estimation, to Owen. Still, she could not be surprised
that her friend had given him her heart, especially as he had owned that
he had given his to Ellen; and they were now regularly betrothed with
the full approval of Mr Ferris, and were to marry as soon as Mr Foley
had obtained the rank of commander.

The days and weeks went rapidly by. Mr Ferris intended, as soon as
Lieutenant Foley had joined his ship, to return with his daughter to
Dublin. This would be a great loss to Norah, as she was acquainted with
but few other young ladies in the neighbourhood; indeed, from having
been at school with Ellen, they were more like sisters than ordinary
friends. Ellen had begged that she would visit her in Dublin, but she
could not leave her father, and still less did she wish to quit
Waterford till the _Ouzel Galley_ had sailed; after that, she felt that
she should have no spirit to enjoy the gay society of the metropolis,
even should her father insist on her accepting Ellen's invitation.

The arrival of the _Champion_ was announced at last by Gerald, who early
one morning rushed into the house.

"We came in last night, and are to sail again this evening, so I
obtained leave to run up to see you," cried Gerald. "I've