e, for he
still believed, in spite of the Earl's assertions, that there was a
considerable number of persons disaffected in that part of the country,
who would be induced to rise, should a leader make his appearance among
them.

"Although I may sail away for a few days at a time, I shall constantly
be on the watch, and the thought that you may be placed in danger, will
certainly not make me the less vigilant," he observed, pressing Lady
Sophy's hand.

"But suppose you were to hear there would be a rising in this place, and
another at some distance, to which would you then go?" asked Lady Sophy.
"Would it not place you in a difficulty?"

"I tell you frankly, I would endeavour to forget in which place you
were, and should steer for the one in which I believed my services were
most imperatively demanded."

"Yes, I am sure you would act thus," she answered, casting on him a look
of admiration and affection. "I do not value your love the less on that
account, believe me."

Captain Falkner had to return on board in the evening, but promised to
visit the castle next day.

He arrived just as Dermot made his appearance with a basket of fish.

"Oh! that is the boy whose portrait you were admiring so much, Captain
Falkner," said Lady Sophy, pointing to Dermot as he was passing the
hall-door.

"Come in, boy," said another lady; "we wish to see if your portrait has
done you justice."

Dermot entered in his usual fearless manner, carrying his basket of
fish. The portrait was produced, and another lady insisted that he
should remain until she had taken a sketch of him for herself.

"By-the-bye," said the Earl, "have you got any good by going to the
minister, boy?"

"Yes, indeed I have, sir," said Dermot warmly, "there is many a book I
have learned to read, and though I found writing more hard, I am able to
copy whatever Mr Jamieson gives me, and while he reads I can write
after him. And there is history and geography and many more things he
has taught me."

"Ah, I must go over and thank him," said the Earl. "And do you wish,
boy, to continue under his instruction?"

"Indeed I do, sir," answered Dermot.

"Oh, but we were teaching you," exclaimed Lady Nora, who had just then
come into the hall. "You must come and let Lady Sophy and me give you
lessons as we did before."

"Indeed I am honoured, ladies," answered Dermot, with an air which none
but an Irish boy, even of much higher rank, could have assumed.
"Alth