evis had made such
advances to invest the town as to call for constant watchfulness.
His fire throughout had necessarily been light, as he was wretchedly
supplied with artillery, but he succeeded in blowing up one of the
magazines the very first night, and there were the usual number of
casualties. General Murray, on his part, attempted one sortie, but
as it was unsuccessful, and the officer in command captured, he
thereafter held himself strictly on the defensive. No general attack
was attempted on our side, and wisely too; for even the capture of
the town would avail nothing, if the first reinforcements by sea
were not ours.

I passed my time making further acquaintance with Kit, whose eager
affection went far to relieve my melancholy, in a few visits of
courtesy to various officers, and in renewing my friendship with
Gaston and with Nairn.

Each day, as I visited the latter towards eleven o'clock, I was
treated to the same disappearing flutter of what I did not doubt
was the same petticoat, until at length I became piqued.

"Nairn," I declared, "I must either give up visiting you, or you
must persuade that timid lady-in-waiting that I am not to be run
away from with impunity. Either she must remain in her place
to-morrow, or I cease disturbing her."

"Indeed, that is what I have been doing my best to persuade her,
but she is somewhat shy until a little matter of difference between
us is settled."

"What, Nairn! Is it possible you have already met the fair one
strong in fight, of whom I prophesied?"

"Yes, I suppose so," he said, with a happy laugh. "I may as well
tell you. She is Mademoiselle de Sarennes. The only thing that
troubles me is, that she wishes to leave the matter to chance."

"I congratulate you on the lady, first of all, sir. And now, what
are the chances?"

He moved uneasily. "Just a woman's fancy, I suppose; but she wishes
it to depend on the arrival of the ships."

"What! Are those fateful ships to carry the decisions of Cupid as
well as Mars? What part are they to play in your affairs?"

"Part enough. If a French ship arrives first, she marries me; if
an English, then I marry her."

"Good heavens, Nairn! What an anxiety to have hanging over you!
Have you provided against the possible appearance of a Spaniard?"

"None of your nonsense, Chevalier!" he exclaimed, hotly. "This is
no jesting matter for me. Cannot you take anything seriously? I
conceive it to make all the difference in th