-wooded country
attracted the eye by the luxuriance of its vegetation, and the evident
traces of that care and cultivation which are usually bestowed on the
estate of a wealthy proprietor. The vessel hove-to within a short
distance of the shore, and a boat was lowered. The captain informed any
curious inquirers that it was for the accommodation of some of the
passengers who were to disembark at the little fishing village now
visible on the coast. He was still speaking, when the noble-looking man
already mentioned came to take leave of him, and to thank him for his
efforts in the storm of the previous night. He then passed with a quiet,
stately step through the crowd of passengers, and went down into the
boat which was to convey him to the shore. He did not fail, however, to
look round anxiously for her, with whom he had become so strangely
acquainted; and it was with evident regret that he quitted the ship
without having seen her again. He had observed, during their short
voyage, that she was under the protection of an elderly lady, who
seemed, from a certain stiffness in her manners and appearance, to have
occupied, at some time, the post of governess; but during the storm she
had been so utterly prostrated by fear and bodily ailment, that she had
abandoned all care of her charge. Even in the morning, when all danger
was over, she appeared still too much stupefied to be of much service to
the young girl; and both ladies were evidently fortunate in having a
most efficient attendant in the old gray-haired man, whose primitive
appearance and manner seemed to indicate that he was a country servant.
The stranger was scarcely placed in the boat when, somewhat to his
surprise and pleasure, he saw this old man carefully depositing the
duenna of his young friend in a seat near him; and in another moment
there was a light footfall on the ladder, a waving of white garments,
and she was herself placed beside him, whilst the sailors, pushing off
from the side of the vessel, made all speed towards the shore. Both
turned round hastily, and their eyes met in a glance of recognition. "It
would seem our destination is the same," said he, with a smile; "at
least so far as the fishing village. After that, I cannot, indeed, hope
it, for the path which leads to my abode is not one that many would seek
to travel."

"Is your home near this?" she said eagerly. "I am so glad to hear it;
for perhaps you can tell me something of this country, whi