ttention from the fascinating maid; emotions but too perceptible
agitated him, and the consciousness of betraying his feelings, increased
them to the most painful degree.

Harland at last observed him, and jealousy whispered that Sir Henry
loved Louise. The idea, in an instant, clouded the happiness her
presence had given rise to; as Sir Henry, he well knew, must prove a far
more formidable rival than Ferrand, whose chief recommendations were
rank and fortune; but Sir Henry, to equal attractions, united a person,
in which every manly beauty, fast springing to perfection, received
additional lustre from an innate elegance of manners. Melancholy,
indeed, had too apparently "marked him for her own," but that melancholy
rendered him still more interesting.

Louise heeded not his agitation or attention, till an accident, trivial
in itself, forced it to her observation, and confirmed the suspicion of
Harland.

In extending her hand to re-place some fruit, a miniature fell from her
bosom; Sir Henry took it up, but in restoring it to the fair owner,
glanced his eyes on the features it represented. "Oh God, it is
herself!"--he exclaimed, and grasped the hand of Louise--but checking
the rising sentence, hastily gave the picture, and rushed past Frederick
out of the cabin. Frederick instantly followed to ask an explanation,
and found Sir Henry in the utmost agitation.

"For Heaven's sake, my friend," he exclaimed, "what is the occasion of
this strange behaviour? Recollect yourself; nor force the company to
surmises perhaps equally injurious to Mademoiselle St. Ursule and
yourself. Yield not thus to the influence of your passions, or I shall
indeed fear for your reason. Believe me, Sir Henry, I wish not
impertinently to pry into those secrets honour forbids your
revealing--yet to those you can confide, I must assert my right. You
know my heart: it beats with the sincerest friendship toward you: trust
it then, Sir Henry--and let it at least share your sorrows!"

Sir Henry wrung his hand--"Oh Frederick, that night--that fatal
night!--and now Louise"--

"Is, I am afraid, attached to George," said Frederick. Sir Henry did
not notice the observation, but continued--"Yet why should I shrink from
an explanation? No--I will wait on the Marchioness to-morrow."--

"To that you must first have my consent!" exclaimed Harland, bursting
into the cabin. "I love Louise; and, before I will resign the thoughts
of her, I will resign my life!