at courtesy and respect by the Earl and
his guests.

"You are indeed welcome, Falkner!" exclaimed the Earl, cordially shaking
him by the hand, "we little expected having the pleasure of seeing you.
What fortunate chance brings you into our bay?"

"We received information that there was some idea of a rising in this
part of the country, and I was ordered to cruise off the coast,"
answered the captain of the frigate. "Hearing also that you were about
to return to Kilfinnan Castle, as it was in the way of duty, I took the
opportunity of coming into the bay to visit you, and at the same time to
make inquiries as to the truth of the report."

"You are very welcome, Captain Falkner, and we are very happy to see
you," said the Earl, casting a significant glance towards Lady Sophy;
"as to the rising, I rather think the Government has been misled;
however, it is as well to be prepared, and the appearance of the frigate
on the coast may prevent the people from committing any act of folly."

"I hope so, indeed," said Captain Falkner; "for the blood of too many of
the misguided people has been shed already. They may bring much misery
and suffering on themselves, and they may do a great deal of mischief in
the country, but while England's fleet and England's army remain
faithful, their wild schemes have not the remotest prospect of success."

"No, indeed!" answered the Earl, in a somewhat scornful tone, "unless
men of character and true bravery were to lead them, they will always be
defeated as they have hitherto been. For my own part I have not the
slightest fear on the subject. However, I repeat that I am not sorry
that any excuse should have brought you into our bay."

Captain Falkner after this received the welcome of the rest of the
guests, with most of whom he was acquainted.

Lady Sophy blushed as she held out her hand, and the gallant captain
took it with a look which showed there was a perfect understanding
between them. He had already obtained a name which gave him rank among
the bravest of England's naval heroes. They before long found an excuse
for walking out together on a beautiful terrace, which extended under
the cliffs, beyond the castle to the south. The conversation need not
be repeated, it was very evident, however, that Captain Falkner was an
accepted suitor of Lady Sophy's, although there were some impediments to
their immediate union.

He told her that he expected to be on the coast for some tim