about the castle in
a state of bewilderment very different to her usual collected manner,
and was continually asking herself if she could not have prevented the
result for which she mourned. The only person who seemed totally
unconscious that any unusual event was about to occur was Lawrence
Brindister. He treated his cousin and Don Hernan with a mock courtesy
which was excessively annoying, the more especially as it was utterly
impossible to resent it.

The hour of her departure arrived. Hilda had made every preparation for
it in her power; still the utter want of propriety in the step she was
taking pressed heavily on her spirits. Except her own garments and a
few of her books, she took nothing with her. "It shall not be said that
I am spoiling my father's house," she exclaimed, with some bitterness,
as she showed Bertha everything she wished packed up.

Don Hernan's barge was in readiness at the landing-place, where Sandy
Redland stood ready to receive the keys. As she left the castle, she
looked, as old Davie Cheyne afterwards remarked, "more like Mary Queen
of Scots, or some other great lady, going to execution, than a bride
accompanying her husband to his home." As she was about to step into
the boat she took Bertha's hand.

"Dear nurse and cousin," she whispered, "you know I loved you more than
any other human being, but I dare not show it lest my feelings should
run riot with me. Farewell! The future is all obscure and uncertain.
I dare not talk of when we may meet again."

Don Hernan took her hand and helped her into the boat. The word was
given to shove off--the oars were dipped into the water--when down from
the castle gate rushed Lawrence Brindister, followed closely by Surly
Grind.

"Ha! ha!" he exclaimed, in a hoarse, angry voice. "Fare-thee-well,
cousin Hilda--fare-thee-well! though you would leave your kinsman
without saying as much to him. And you, Don Hernan, fare-thee-well,
too. You think you have wedded with the heiress of Lunnasting. It's a
pleasant dream to believe that you will some day be master of those
lordly towers. Dream on as you please, but know the truth: `The prince
will hae his ain again! the prince will hae his ain again!'"

These words he continued singing at the top of his voice, pointing
derisively at the boat as long as she continued in sight.

Don Hernan urged the crew to give way, and with lusty strokes they sent
the boat flying through the water, till she