though uttered in a
rough way.

"Ah! if I had my heart's wish, I would do as you say," he answered; "but
there's one I cannot leave, and I do not think you would if you were in
my place."

"Who's that?" asked the sailor.

"My mother, I am her only child," answered Dermot.

"I ran away from my mother, and yet I was her only son," replied the
sailor, as he dashed a tear from his eye. "No, boy, I am not one to
advise you to do as I did. I know not whether she is alive or dead, for
never from that day to this, have I had the chance of returning home."

The widow was highly pleased with the transactions on board, for
whatever spice of romance there was in her, she never forgot the
importance of making a good bargain for her fish. Shane was delighted,
and undertook to return on board the next day.

Another successful expedition enabled Dermot to carry a supply of fish
to Mrs Rafferty at the castle. His modesty induced him to enter by the
back way, and on asking for her, after waiting some time, he was told he
might go and see her in her room. The good lady told him that she
expected the family every instant, and would take all the fish he had
brought. Dermot hurried away, fearful that they might arrive while he
was in the castle, and that he might lose the opportunity of seeing
them. He sat himself down by the side of the road which the carriages
must pass, in the hopes of gaining a glimpse of the lady who had taken
his portrait, as well as of the fair little girl her companion. He
thought very little of the rest of the party. At length, after waiting
some time, his patience was rewarded by seeing the carriages approach.
Not only were the ladies there, but they both saw him, and Lady Nora
gave a half-nod of recognition, and then turned to her companion, as if
to speak about him. Dermot would gladly have found any excuse for
returning to the castle, but as this was impossible, he hurried home,
hoping to be able to visit it the next day with a further supply of
fish. On his way he saw a boat pulling rapidly from the frigate towards
the landing-place under the castle walls. In her stern-sheets sat an
officer, who by the gold epaulets on his shoulders and his cocked hat,
he naturally concluded was the captain. Poor Dermot had very little
chance after this of attracting the attention of Lady Sophy. The boat
reached the shore, when the captain sprang out, and hurried up to the
castle. He was received with gre