and boat, were neglected. His station was taken up—particularly at eventide, when Donald Munro played on the lawn—in his room, with the window raised up, and a telescope in his hand, levelled at a certain object in a window opposite. His father attributed his son's change and dejection to his own cause, namely, the downfall of their chief and laird. This, although it partly added to his depression for his parent's sake, was not sufficient to create such a sudden revolution in his lively spirits.
Bella McKay's feeble and despairing cry, "Charlie, dear, save me!" sounded still in his ears. Her beautiful form, when she lay helpless in his arms, haunted his thoughts. She was no longer the lively little child of former years, but a beautiful budding flower, which wanted all his care and attention to protect from the wanton advances of the bold libertine.
While Bella, as before-mentioned, was ruminating and calling to her mind many pleasant hours passed in the company of her young neighbour Mary Grant tripped into the room, and, after closing the door carefully after her, pulled a small billetdoux from her bosom, laying her left hand on her heart, in that attitude which Brown enacted towards herself, and making a low reverence, said—"A love-letter, my dear madam!"
Bella coloured unconsciously on recognising the hand-writing although this had been the first addressed to herself; she therefore with trembling fingers broke the seal, and read as follows:—"My Dear Bella,—I have not had an opportunity of a private interview with you, to ascertain whether it is your intention to grace the coming fête at the castle. From some hints, however, which dropped from your papa to-day I inferred that you have objections, which, although he is unable to comprehend, I can easily divine. I also hold the same objections, knowing, of course, that our common enemy is included in Lord Lundy's retinue. However, to lull all suspicions, I consider it more advisable for you to submit to your father's wishes, and my attendance accordingly I consider imperative. It has been arranged that my father will drive you in his carriage, so that we shall call for you on our way. Let me know your inten-
