Page:Lindigo.djvu/159

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THE WHITE CAPTIVE.
159

"The very thought which occupied my mind when you came upon deck. See, yonder stands Castle Tioram in Moidart; and there frowns Barra Castle, where St. Clair was exiled; and those two are your chief's castles, opposite Duart as Donalla Muchoincamh a chicle (Duart and Dunolly vis-à-vis). But this comparing will not do; I must be away to my patient and bring her up, for it would be selfishness on our part to enjoy such scenery without her sharing it." As soon as she had said this, off the lively girl tripped on her benevolent mission. The Captain watched her until she had disappeared down the steps, then drawing a sigh, the word "angel" escaped his lips.

"Rouse, yourself, my dear Mrs. M'Lean, and accompany me on deck, where you will see some most delightful scenery, which will banish all the sufferings you have experienced during the passage." Such was Bella's morning salutation to her invalid friend on entering the cabin. She soon saw that the Captain's account of his young wife's state of health was quite true; a change for the worse was evident; her looks and voice bespoke restlessness and feverishness which was not observable the night before. She acknowledged the kind enquiries and encouraging propositions of her friend with a mournful move of the head, adding—"You have indeed been very kind ever since we came on board, but I doubt whether you will be able to get me out of bed alive; some fearful despondency weighs upon my mind, and many terrible presentiments that I shall never see the end of the voyage."

"Nonsense, my dear, that all comes from lowness of spirits, caused by your being obliged to keep your cabin; but it will all disappear when you get on deck and feast your eyes on scenery which will rival your Highland home.

"I doubt it, Bella; and to add to my former indisposition, I was visited last night with such a frightful dream, the effects of which I am unable to drive from my mind, for every circumstance appeared so real; and although I know you will ridicule my superstition, I cannot help relating it, for I could not find sufficient courage to