particulars of the account they had received from the
messenger.

Little intelligence could be given.--Louise had, the preceding night,
retired to her usual apartment; but in the morning the Marchioness,
surprised at her non-attendance at her toilet, (a duty Louise had never
neglected) sent one of her daughters to inquire if she were indisposed,
who immediately returned with the account, that she was not in her room,
nor, from the appearance of the bed, had it that night been slept in;
one of the windows was likewise open; and, from the disorder of the
furniture, and a handkerchief Louise had worn the preceding day lying on
the floor, torn, they had every reason to suppose she had been forced
away.

The relation of these circumstances increased the frenzy of Harland, who
would that instant have gone in pursuit of Ferrand. Sir Henry started up
to accompany him.

"This madness must not be," said the Captain, detaining them. "Though
suspicion points at Ferrand, you are not certain he is the aggressor;
and if he be, it is to the friendship of his uncle you must look for
redress: do not then, by an avowed act of violence, induce him to
espouse the cause you want him to condemn. But here comes the Governor;
and I beg, Harland, you will at least restrain your passion, and hear
his opinion, before you determine on your procedure."

Harland's feelings were at that moment too tremblingly alive to the
insults Louise might experience, to admit the reasonableness of the
Captain's request. Louise was the prize on which he had fixed his
happiness; nor could he, with even an appearance of indifference, see a
man so nearly related to him, who had torn her from his arms. He could
not, however, reply, as the Governor was that instant announced.

On being informed of their distress, that gentleman expressed such a
generous concern for the occasion of it, as nearly disarmed Harland of
his resentment. He assured the Marchioness, if it were his nephew who
had committed the outrage, Louise should be restored; as, independently
of her prior engagement to the Lieutenant, and amiable as he
acknowledged her to be, he did not wish Ferrand to form an alliance with
her. That no unnecessary time might be lost, he ordered two of his
attendants to proceed immediately to his countryseat, with orders, if
Louise had been carried there, to re-conduct her to the Marchioness.
The impatience of Harland could be no longer restrained; he entreated
the Gov