ow who lives in a little cove under where you saw me; but that
can be a matter of no interest to you."

As she spoke she again gazed up in his face. Something strange seemed
to flash across her mind. She cast another earnest, inquiring look at
him. The colour mounted to his cheek. His eyes fell, then again he
looked earnestly at her. Nora's breath came and went rapidly; her bosom
heaved.

"What is the matter with Nora?" exclaimed Lady Sophy, springing forward,
"she is fainting. Help! help!"

In an instant Lady Sophy was by Nora's side, and just in time to receive
her as she fell fainting into her arms. Captain Denham stood for an
instant so overwhelmed with some deep emotion, as scarcely to comprehend
what had occurred.

The bell was rung, and several attendants rushed in, and Nora was borne
fainting from the room.

It was still daylight, but just at this moment dark clouds began to
collect in the sky, casting a gloom over the landscape. The lieutenant
of the corvette had gone to the window looking out over the ocean. He
hurriedly came back, and while his commander was standing still
bewildered it seemed by what had occurred, he came up to him, and said--

"Sir, there is a change in the weather. The wind has increased
considerably, and the bay in a short time will be no place for us."

This address aroused Captain Denham.

"You are right, Matson," he answered, looking out at the window for an
instant, "I will go on board immediately. We must bid farewell to the
Earl and be off. There is not a moment to lose, and I hope Evans will
get the ship under weigh without waiting for me."

Just as he was quitting the room Lady Sophy re-entered it, and assured
him that Lady Nora had quickly recovered, though still unnerved by the
danger she had gone through. "I trust that she will have perfectly
recovered by to-morrow," she added. "And, believe me, Captain Denham,
you will always be a welcome guest at the Castle."

She spoke earnestly, her looks giving expression to her words.

"She is a dear, high-minded girl, and, believe me, I prize her, and will
watch over her as a sister, or I should say rather, as a daughter."

"Thank you, thank you," answered the young captain, pressing Lady
Sophy's hand; "you know my feelings for your cousin, but to no one else
would I venture to acknowledge them. To her I feel that I have no right
to speak of them. I leave myself, therefore, in your hands."

"I trust to be s