odox, and are resolved to
put down the reformers. I must advise you, at all events, to keep your
own counsel; and if you are still determined to apply to Admiral
Coligny, as your views agree with his, they will be in your favour."

"Thank you for your advice, sweet cousin," answered Nigel. "I will
follow it so far as not to parade my opinions; but should they be
attacked, I shall be ready, if necessary, to defend them either with my
tongue or my sword."

"You are not likely to be called upon to use either of those formidable
weapons, provided you are discreet," said the young lady, laughing.
"You may occasionally at court hear the Protestants satirised, or made
subjects of lampoons; but it would be folly to take notice of such
trivialities, and you would be in continual hot water with worthy
people, perfectly ready otherwise to treat you as a friend. I will
speak to some I know, who will assist your object and forward you to the
admiral, should you determine to seek his patronage."

"I would rather trust to so great and good a man than to any one else I
have heard of in France," said Nigel; "and am anxious, as soon as
possible, to make myself known to him."

By this time the young people had got within a few paces of the
termination of the shady walk, when before them appeared a gay company
of ladies and gentlemen, most of the former being very young, while the
latter were, on the contrary, advanced in life, as their snowy locks and
white beards betokened, though they were richly dressed, and were doing
their utmost to assume a youthful and _debonnaire_ manner. Nigel on
seeing the gay company instinctively drew back into a recess by the side
of the walk, unwilling, if possible, to present himself before them.
His cousin being ready to humour him, placed herself on a garden seat,
and invited him to sit by her. Perhaps she was unwilling that the
interview with her near relative should be brought to an end sooner than
could be helped. They could from this spot observe what was going
forward without being seen. Merry laughter came from the party of gaily
dressed people who passed along the walks, several approaching near
enough to allow their features easily to be distinguished.

"Who are those?" asked Nigel, as several young people came slowly by,
following a fair girl, whose beautiful countenance and graceful figure
distinguished her from the rest, though many of her companions were
scarcely less lovely. So t