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EDMUND HEATHCOTE. TOL. I. ILontion : T. CAUTLEY NEWBY, PUBLISHER, 80, WELBECK STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE. 1858. [2%« Right of Translation is strictly reserved.^ n THE ADMIRAL'S NIECE. CHAPTER I. The scene of my story lies far away across the Atlantic's broad billows, in Nova Scotia; a land which, tho' little known, on that account is not the less lovely; with its lakes, its forests, its summers of undimmed sunshine; where the flowers flourish with all the luxu- riant splendor of a tropical clime. Its glowing autumns, whose tints no pen can describe, varying from the most VOL. I. B THE admiral's NIECE. 1 1 1 brilliant scarlet to the richest brown, intermingled with the deep green of the spruce and fir. Its joyous winters, when the sky seems turned into a sea of sapphire, and the whole country round clothed in its soft white mantle, glitters and sparkles in the sunlight, as tho* it were studded with thousands of diamonds; while in the clearness of the atmosphere, from a far way off, may be heard the merry tinkle of the sleigh bells. Though years have passed since my foot has trod this shore, and I have since wandered amidst the beautiful places of the earth, to me no other ever seemed so beautiful, and with an indescribable yeairning I long once again to stray over my old haunts. And yet it were "f.v THE admiral's NIECE. wiser not to rob memory of its trea- sures by present reality; perchance all would look different to me now, for the faces and forms of munv of the loved are no longer there, some are scattered far and wide over the broad earth and some have gone to that distant land where mortal may not seek them. Alas ! alas ! for the fleeting happiness of this world ; alas, for the bright eyes early closed in death, for the young loving bAurts that so soon have ceased to beat. But to my story : — It was a glorious day towards the close of summer; never shone the sun more brightly, or looked the sky more blue; there was just sufficient wind to fill the pails of a small boat, that floated grace" B 2 THE admiral's NIECE. fully over the bright waters of a lovely bay called the North-west arm, a part of the Atlantic, which seemed to have wan- dered up here solely for the purpose of enhancing the beauty of the scenery ; and truly most beautiful it was. For some distance, the ground on each side of the bay, richly wooded, gradually undulated down to the very brink of the water, the monotony of so much wood ever and anon broken by a green sunny slope, while peep- ing out here and there might be seen a few gentlemen's country seats, looking as calm and peaceful as though no sound of earth's woes had ever reached them, no tears fallen, no sighs been breathed for earth's sins within their walls. Farther up towards the head of the bay r or^jo large masses of rock threw their shadows over the water, THE admiral's NIECE. adding much to the picturesqueness of the scenery ; altogether it seemed a spot where one could dream away life, forgetting the outer world with all its toil and tumult. The house that we have to do with, stood on a rising ground, it was a modern building, in which comfort seemed to have been more studied than appearances; its construction was most irregular, a wing having been added here and there, to suit the owner's convenience ; but nevertheless, uow in the mellowing light of approaching evening, peeping out from the surrounding wood, it looked far from inelegant. The large windows even with the ground, of a most comfortably furnished drawing-room stood open, the velvet turf before which bespoke studious care, while the quaintly shaped flower-beds were still brilliant with 6 THE admiral's niece. :^i varied colors. At the window stood a young girl waving her handkerchief towards the boat, glancing ever and anon impatiently toward a clock that stood on the mantelpiece. Presently her signal was answered, and the boat's head turned towards the shore ; while she is gaining it we will try and describe the fair signaller. Tall, beyond the average height, with a figure that even the most fastidious might find no flaw in, so pliant was it, so full of grace in every turn; her complexion was that of a brunette^ with hair that seemed to have stolen its hue and gloss from the raven's wing; the eyes were unusually large, and dark, their brilliancy somewhat softened by the long jetty fringes that swept nearly half-way down the cheek; the face was a perfect oval, with the softest THE admiral's NIECE. tinge of color in the beautifully rounded cheek, and the nose and chin had been masterpieces of sculpture could they have been imitated; but the moutli, in which lay the whole expression of the face, marred all its beauty; it was not its form or shape, but as she stood with it now tightly closed, there was an inde- scribable something about it that made the beholder forget for a moment that the face to which it belonged wfis beautiful. Apparently she was dresssd for dinner, in a simple white muslin, with no other ornament save one rich coloured rose fastened carelessly in the front of her boddice ; a similar one was wreathed amidst her glossy hair contrasting well with its midnight hue; presently she stept lightly through the open window 8 THE ADMIRAL^S NIECE. and sauntered down to meet the occu- pants of the boat who had by this time landed, and were wending their way towards the house. " You are rather late, uncle, and Ada looks tired,^' she said, addressing a fine looking old gentleman whose silvery locks fell almost to his shoul- ders, and on whose arm leant a fair creature more lovely than words can describe. Her golden hair touched now by the rays of the declining sun, was a rare sight, its loose wavy masses seemed to float round her like a soft cloud, touched here and there with living gold, and oh I how dazzlingly fair was the face beneath it. Scarcely a tint of colour dwelt in THE admiral's NIECE. the soft cheek; the brow was like ala- baster, no line of care had as yet dis- turbed its smooth surface; it was calm and unruffled in its gleaming whiteness; the eyes were of liquid blue, large and soft, they had a confiding, loving ex- pression, and seemed to sink into your very heart, and who could withstand the smile that played about that dim- pled mouth; it almost startled you with its intense loveliness. She was as tall as her cousin, but her form seemed more fragile, more ethereal in its beauty; she bore a strong resemblance to the old man, so that you could not mistake their relation- ship, that of father and daughter. "Ah, Kate, my dear, I am sorry if we have kept you waiting; the evening B 5 10 THE ADMIRAL'S NIECE, was SO charming that it tempted us beyond our usual limits, but has not Edward arrived yet?" ** No, uncle, I am sorry to say that iny brother Edward never can be punc- tual, but no doubt he is detained by the arrival of the mail steamer from England; you know she is due to day, and he will be anxious to bring you what news there may happen to be." " True, child, I hope she may have arrived, I am very anxious for home accounts. How goes on the war I wonder; ah, were I but a few years younger, I should not be here in this ignoble inactivity. Well, my life has been pretty nearly used up, in my country's service, and I have not at- tained to the rank of admiral without THE admiral's NIECE. 11 seeing more than one engagement; but I must in and prepare for dinner, hark! unless my ears deceive me I hear wheels; if it is Edward send him up to my room." So saying the old man hurried into the house, Ada having preceded him, leaving Kate to saunter back more leisurely. She had scarcely stepped again through the window from which she had issued, when a light dog cart, driven rather furiously, appeared in sight; it soon reached the house, when there alighted from it two gentlemen. It required no second look to tell that one was the brother of Kate, the Edward just spoken of; the same dark complexion and hair, the same coloured 12 im admiral's niece. eyes, And cm nearer approach the same indescrlhaMc expression about the mouth, that spoilt what otherwise would have been a foco more than ordinarily hand- some. His companion was a tall, powerfully made man^ also dark, with that rare grey eye, clear and bright as an eagle's; his brow was massive and intellectual; the whole face, when still, was rather stern, but when a smile broke over it, as it did now at some remark of his companion's, it was like the brilliant sunshine lighting up some calm seques> tered nookj there was something in the whole air and manner that at once claimed respect, and you could not but exclaim as you looked on him, "What a noble fellow I" 1 THE admiral's NIECE. 13 Leaving the dog-cart to the care of a smart looking little groom, they en- tered the house, Edward leading the way to the drawing-room. "How late you are, Edward," said Kate; *'I — " but seeing a stranger she stopped. "Allow me, Kate, to introduce an old friend, though no doubt you have long forgotten him, Herbert St. John. Don't you remember when he used to come home with me for the holidays, when we lived in Devonshire. He was not quite so big as he is now, so I don't wonder you cannot recall him to your memory." Kate gracefully extended her hand, saying : "Indeed, my memory serves me better 14 THE ADMIBAL'S NIECE. 1 I i I than you think for. I perfectly re- member Mr. St. John, though the time you speak of is a long way to look back to. I scarcely think his memory in regard to me serves him as well, unless, indeed, the remembrance of the naughty childish tricks that I fear I played upon him as well as my bro- ther, should still dwell in his recollec- tion." "Nay, Miss Hetherington, you do yourself injustice in supposing I could so easily forget, but I am greatly as- tonished to find you in this part of the world. I only arrived from Eng- land to-day to join my regiment, which unfortunately, has been ordered here in- stead of to the seat of war. The first person I met was your brother, who THE admiral's MIECE. 15 kindly insisted on my accompanying him here. I am anxious to see Ad- miral Eainsworth, as I know in olden times he and my father were wonderful friends." "I am sure he will be most delighted to see you; but he desired me to say, Edward, that he wished you to go up to his room; he is anxious for the news." "Well, I shall leave you to entertain St. John;" and he left the room, merely looking back to say : " I hope, Kate, the dinner hour is not far off, for I am uncommonly hungry/' Kate was an adept in the art of conversation, and during the short time they were left alone, St. John thought he had never been so well entertained. !'^ !!! 16 THE admiral's niece. They were in the midst of early scenes and recollections, when the sonorous voice of the Admiral was heard in the hall; and presently, followed by Edward, he entered the room. Waiting for no introduction, he shook S*. John by the hand warmly, saying: " A thousand welcomes to you, my dear boy; right glad am I to see the son of my dear old friend, Sir Miles, under my roof." At this moment the door again opened, and Ada entered. Never had she looked more lovely; she wore a pale blue dress of a float- ing, gauzy material, that set off to ad- vantage her snowy skin, and that won- drous hair, which still swept over her shoulders, unconfined by either comb or THE admiral's NIECE. 17 ' scenes oQorous in the jidward, for no by the 3U, my see the r Miles, again lovely ; a fioat- ■ to ad- at won- irer her iomb or ribbon. Like her cousin, her dress was unadorned by any ornament, save a spray of white jasmine. St. John was so struck by her ap» pearance, that he forgot to reply to the Admiral; till now, he had thought that such a being could but live in a poet's dream. There was but time for a hasty introduction, when the dinner was announced, and the Admiral, con- signing Ada to St. John's care, led the way to the dining-room with Kate, where we will leave them for the present, while we make a retrograde movement, and transport the reader to an earlier period in a different country. 18 THE admiral's NIECE. CHAPTER II. i In a most picturesque cottage in the South of Devonshire, in a room fur- nished with all the elegances of life, on a couch drawn towards the open window, round which the clematis and soft pale roses gracefully entwined their stalks, reclined a lady: her cheek was paler than the white blossoms that peeped through the casement. She was gazing sadly towards the THE admiral's NIECE- 19 sea, which was just perceptible in the distance, and a tear rolled slowly from her large, blue eyes, as with a deep drawn sigh she sank back upon the cushions that supported her wasted aud fragile form. She was, perhaps, about forty years of age, and must have once been extremely beautiful; but her face now bore traces of severe illness, and her form was attehuated to a painful degree. There was a serene and solemn expression in her eye, that spoke of another world; the soul seemed to be looking eagerly forth through it, to the realms where sickness and sorrow may not enter. By her side, on a low stool, sat a child about twelve years old, who (as she saw the tear trickle down that pale face) rose 80 THE admiral's NIECE. iiii I )! '( 1 hastily, and bending over the wasted form, said — " Oh, do not weep, dear mama ! I ar i sure papa will be home soon; it is m \/ a month, or two, since the papcis said his ship had left China on hur homeward voyage, and I am sure he must bo home soon," and she fondly kissed the sufferer's cheek. " Bless you, my darling child ! for your attempt to comfort me. But, my Ada, China is a great way off, and the * Ama- ranth' will be long making the passage; she sails slowly, too slowly — too slowly," she murmured ; then, complaining of fatigue, her maid •vuti bisumonea, and with thr" assistance of Ada, she reached her own room. Ah! little did Ada think, as they THE admiral's NIECE. 21 crossed the threshold, that ti -^ nex; time her loved mother passed thiuugh that door it would be in shroud and coffin. When the invalid had been coral jrtably placed in bed, she desired Ada to leave her for a while. "You need the fresh air, darling; go and meet your aunt and cousin, who mu 4 by this time be returning from thdr walk." Ada obeyed reluctantly; she could not bear to leave her mother's side. She had not walked very far before she met a lady, and a little girl about her own age; the lady was a tall, elegant looking woman, but her face was seamed with lines of care and sorrow; the heart's suffering was legibly stamped on her brow, and in the mournful expression of her dark eyes. I l!^'i! iii! Hi 22 THE admiral's niece. A diglit sketch of her history will suffice. She had been devotedly attached to her husband, Colonel Hetherington, who had fallen a victim to cholera in the West Indies, where his regiment had been sta- tioned iome time; left a widow with two children, in miserable health her- self from the effects of that climate. With a broken heart she started for England, and there sought out the resi- dence of her only brother, who was a post captain in the navy, and whose ship she knew had just returned from sea, and been paid off. Captain Rainsworth received her with open arms, and insisted on his home for the future being hers ; her sister-in-law also added her gentle persuasions, and the THE admiral's NIECE. 23 widow gladly and gratefully yielded to their wishes, and so became an inmate of their lovely home. Her son Edward was then about ten years old, and was sent immediately to a public school ; from there he went to Woolwich to prepare for the army, and in time received a commission in the Artillery. Mrs. Hetherington herself undertook the education of her little daughter Kate, as also that of Ada, her brother's only child. About that time Captain Rainsworth received his flag, and a year or two after- wards was appointed to a command in the Mediterranean, where he took his wife and child, leaving his sister, who on her son's account did not wish to leave England, in charge of his house. It was then, that on hi 24 THE admiral's NIECE. ilH f U II Edward's return for the holidays he often brought with him his young friend, Her- bert St. John, and thus Ada had never become personally acquainted with him, though she had often heard his name, it being frequently mentioned in her aunt's letters to her mama, and always with praises. After the usual period of a commission, Admiral Rainsworth returned with his family to England, and remained for a year or two enjoying the luxury of home; but soon a sailor's restlessness seized him, and on applying for a command, the "Amaranth'' was given him, and ap- pointed to the East Indies, where he did not think it expedient to take his wife and child. He had now been away for three years, THE admiral's NIECE. 25 in which time Mrs. Rainsworth, who had always been delicate, gradually fell into ill health, and having caught a severe cold, which had settled on her lungs, the seeds of consumption, which had so long lain dormant in her frame, now sprung up, and grew apace, and were fast ripening, and the reaper, whose name is death, with his gleaming sickle, stood ready. " I have left dear mama in bed, Aunt Emily; she was tired of sitting up, and seemed inclined to sleep; she desired me to come for a little walk." " I am glad you have done so, dear Ada, for you have lately lost all your roses; you do not take enough exercise, dear child." " I cannot bear to leave mama, Aunt Emily; she does not seem to get any VOL. I. I I 11 i! : i I!) 26 THE admiral's niece. stronger, now the warm weather has como. Oh! I do wish that papa would come/' "So do I, dearest; let us hope it will not he long now before he is here ; but see those lovely wild flowers; you and Kate run and gather some, your mama is so fond of them." The children picked each a large bouquet, and they then all returned to the house* Mm. Kainsworth's maid met them at tlie door ; her face was very gravo^ and she said in a low voice to Mrs, Ilctherington — ** I fear, ma'an:^ my mistress is not so well J she has just asked if you were come In/' Mrs, Ilctherington immediately pro- ceeded to her sister's room; she found THE admiral's NIECE. 27 her apparently dozing ; there was a strange unearthly look on the pale face; and as Mrs. Hetherington gazed upon her she felt that the mandate had gone forth, *' This night shall thy soul be required of thee." Presently those languid eyes were opened, and on seeing who stood by her, she said — " Dearest Emily, I feel that my time has come. It is hard to go without once again seeing my beloved Charles," and for a moment she stopped, the tears rolling slowly down her cheeks. " But God's will be done," she presently added, " He knoweth what is best; and, Emily, dear^ you will comfort him, tell him that my last thoughts were of him, my last grief^ not seeing him again. You will take care c 2 ,,i[ IliJ I i lii 28 THE admiral's NIECE. of Ada, Emily, for my sake; poor darling; her love will repay all your care ; she looks, and is, far from strong. Would that I might have been spared a few years longer to her, but it may not be." "I will, indeed, be a mother to her, dearest Helen," replied Mrs. Hethering- ton, the tears almost choking her utter- ance, "but pray do not exert yourself to talk any more," she added, seeing that her sister closed her eyes, and looked faint and exhausted. "Nay, Emily," replied the invalid, again rousing herself: " Now is the only time with me; I can scarcely number hours, I fear, that I shall be with you." After she had more particularly expressed her wishes to Mrs. Hetherington, she THE ADMIRAL'S NIECE. 29 i .; i begged that Ada and Kate miglit be sent for. They came, Ada carrying her bouquet of wild flowers, but with a face as pale as the white blossoms that were intermingled amongst them. She had heard the maid whisper to her aunt, and a foreshadowing of evil swept through her young mind. She had no sooner caught sight ot her mama's face, than throwing down the flowers, she flung herself on the bed, and burying her face on her mother's neck, burst into a wild passion of tears. Mrs. Hetherington, fearing the eftect this violence might have on the invalid, tried to withdraw her, but she only clung the closer ; and Mrs. Rainsworth said : "Let her remain, dear Emily;" at the same time encircling her with her arms, li! iill \]\'l !ii II ;;!i ( 30 THE admiral's NIECE. she whispered, " My Ada, will not make my last moments unhappy; try and calm yourself, darling, and listen to what I have to say to you.'* The poor child tried to suppress her sobs, but she still clung to her mother's neck, as though her feeble arms could stay the fleeting breath; she, however, listened while her mother continued : " My child, I shall soon be in a better land than this; will you promise me to strive and meet me there?" Ada in a broken voice gave the desired promise. Her mother continued, "When I am gone, aunt Emily will be a mother to you. You will obey her, dearest, as you would me. I know how dearly you love her, and I know my Ada will give her as little trou- >( li: THE ADMIRAL'S NIECE. 31 not make r and calm I'hat I have ppress her T mother's could stay sr, listened in a better lise me to the desired hen I am ler to you. you would ire her, and little trou- ble as she can. You are growing of an age to be u companion to your dear papa. You will be his sole comfort now," (here her voice shook) but she proceeded, " Make hiir vour friend and counsellor, dear child, through life. I know his tender loving heart, and how readily he will sympathise with you in all things." Ada answered only by a closer em- brace. Mrs. Rainsworth now said a few affectionate words of adieu to Kate, who looked pale and frightened, and almost drew back as her aunt tenderly kissed her. She then requested to be left alone, as she felt Inclined to sleep; but Ada still clung to her, and she would not have her removed. Mrs. Rains- worth closed her eyes and lay back exhausted, and Ada, tired from the iM'l 32 THE admiral's NIECE. il !l W^■ 'il ■ Hi H !!! t:li lillhH, force of licr emotions, soon fell into a sound sleep. " Her mother, too, slept for awhile, but presently she woke with a start. There was a glorious light in her eyes, and a soft colour spread itself for a moment over her cheek. "I come," she murmured, "I come.'^ It was the last flicker of the lamp in its socket. Suddenly the colour fa- ded away, the light died out from her eye, and with the murmured name of Charles upon her lips, the spirit passed away, to be clothed for ever in the white garments of the saints. Poor Ada still unconsciously slept on, presently a carriage drove furiously to the door, and there was a low mur- mur of voices in the hall, and then a i THE admiral's NIECE. 33 hasty footstep mounting the stairs, pre- ceded by a lighter one, the door of the room was gently opened and Mrs. Hetherington and a gentleman entered. As she looked towards the bed she placed her finger upon her lips, and they drew near gently together. One glance as they reached the bed- side told all, and with a cry of an- guish the strong man bowed himself upon the bed, his frame was convul- sed with tearless sobs. "Too late, too late," was all that escaped him. The cry had startled Ada; she sat upright, gazing around her in bewilder- ment; unconsciously her hand fell upon the cold face of her dead mother and a shudder thrilled through her frame. c 5 /I* I - if ^ .1 V- ijM I I'T! •!i' 34 TUE admiral's niece. At that moment a slight movement at- tracted her, and as a well known face was lifted up, with a scream almost of terror, she threw herself into his arms, saying ; " Oh, papa, papa !" The wretched man, for it was indeed Admiral Rainsworth, roused himself to sooth her violent grief, but for a time all efforts were unavailing, her tender form shook as though very soul and body would separate. Her father seemed alarmed, and by his sister's advice carried her into ano- ther room; there he gently reminded her how much distressed her dear mo- ther would have been at seeing such violent grief; amidst his tender caresses and gentle words, her sobs grew less TUE admiral's MIECE. 85 iment at- own face 1 almost into his 3 indeed mself to r a time ' tender )ul and and by ito ano- eminded ear mo- g such caresses Bw less and less, till at last, exhausted and passive, she lay perfectly still in his arms; he placed her gently on a sofa, promising to send her aunt to her; having done so, he returned to that solemn chamber and bolting the door, remained there till the pale rays of morning began to dawn; he then si- lently made his way to his own dress- ing room, where, throwing himself upon a couch he strove hard to gain com- posure; nature came to his relief, and for a while he slept the heavy, dream- less sleep of exhaustion. His ship had only that morning ar- rived at Portsmouth, and knowing that his wife had been seriously ill, he lost no time in proceeding to Devonshire, but arrived at his home as we have 1Im- 86 TII£ admiral's niece. seen, only a few minutes too late to receive her last blessing. Mrs. Iletherington, tenderly conveyed Ada to her hcd, but the shock had been too much for the nervous sensi- bility of the poor child, and ere the day broke she lo^t all consciousness in a violent attack of brain fever; for weeks she hovered between life and death. After the last sad rites to his wife were over, her father scarcely ever left his child's bedside, and when the doctor pronounced, one day after she awoke from a long, deathlike sleep, that all danger was over, his heart felt the first glad thrill that it had experienced since his arrival in England, and fervently he thanked his heavenly Father, who i m THE admiral's NIECE. 37 had in mercy spared to him this his only remaining treasure. As soon as Ada was well enough, the doctor strongly recommended change of climate and scene; and Admiral Rainsworth, who had determined on re- tiring from his profession, made up his mind to seek a new home in Nova Scotia; he had many times during his younger years been stationed there at Halifax, and retained a lively recollec- tion of the beauties of the place, and the kindness and hospitality of the people; he immediately wrote to some friends there and finding that a pretty place on the north west arm, which he knew well, was to be sold, became the purchaser. Edward having just then received his r'sl It ■>: 'M 111 ill lliU |:"i ii 38 THE admiral's NIECE. commission, ]\Irs. Hetherington felt at liberty to accompany him, and so bid- ding adieu to the home once so dear, but now made sad by recollections of the past, they crossed the Atlantic, and in a new world, amid new scenes, strove to regain that peace of mind which had so long forsaken them. At the time our story opened, Mrs. Hetherington had been for more than two years entirely confined to her room; she had become a confirmed invalid. Ada had grown up as lovely in mind as person, devoted to her fond father, to whom she was as the bright evening star of his declining years. Guileless and unsuspecting, she dreamt not of ill or wrong in others, and least of all in the cousin who had grown up with her Bi- '■ ill^ U THE admiral's NIECE. 39 from childhood's tender years; but alas! in Kate's heart there lurked evil pas- sions that her anxious mother had striven hard to subdue, and thought she had in a measure (if not altogether) succeeded in doing so. Mrs. Hetherington's delicate health had prevented her being as constantly with the two girls as she would have wished; and Kate, by her dissimulation, blinded the eyes that watched her with unsus- pecting affection. She was talented and clever, and Ada was rather inclined to look to her for guidance and advice, more especially since her aunt had be- come such a complete invalid; there was but one year's difference in their ages. Kate was now just twenty, and Ada within a few days of nineteen. ■til f^i ■Hi m i' I I'li'ljjll fi! 1 :i!l if I,.: im m i/ ■ I! ■I 1h 40 TflK Al^MIUAL^S NIECE. Mrs, Iltftlierington had, about two years before mr history begins, intro- duced them \ni() the gay world, and had chaperanc'd them as long as her failing health would allow. Now they depended ftlt i 1?1 ■ t 'M 72 THE admiral's NIECE. ll!4 Mi! I! it II ill m But are these silver frosts frequent? I do hope I may have an opportunity of seeing one." " I am sorry to say they are not very frequent," said Ada. " However, the winter will scarcely pass without one, I 80 hope you may see it, the effect is truly wonderful." In the mean time, the boat had gone "about," and they were now approach- ing the spot from whence they had Itarted : " It is time, I think," said the admiral to go in. St. John would have liked to remain tvhere he was, and we much doubt if Ada did not feel too happy to wish to move; however, they all landed, and proceeded homewards. THE admiral's NIECE. 73 **0f course, St. John, you will stay and dine with us ?" said the admiral. St. John only too gladly assented. The evening passed pleasantly enough. Kate, however, taking good care there should be no t^te-a-tete, and managing tD sustain nearly all the conversation with St. John. She was witty and brilliant beyond even her own wonderful powers, and St. John could not help saying to hiraselt on his way home, " she is certainly a splendid creature; but for all that, there is something about her that I do not like; and yet Ada seems to love her; sweet Ada;" and his thoughts rambled off, building airy castles, in which sweet Ada held a con- spicuous place. Who has not, at times, built castles VOL. I. E Sit • ill 74 THE admiral's NIECE. I , ., ! in the air, in and about which, some loved object has hovered like the guardian spirit of the place? In youth how many have been the dreams of happiness, that the future was to bring. Aias! how seldom have those dreams been realized — how seldom has even the foundation of the actual castle been laid, or if haply once begun, how soon has cruel fortune despoiled it, leaving perhaps, not even a trace of its whereabouts. " Man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upwards," and there is no treasure on earth that the moth and rust may not corrupt, which thieves may not break in and steal. And yet how often the heart lays up for itself a treasure here, regardless of the warnings and experience of others; THE admiral's NIECE. 75 and when at one swoop that lieasure is wrenched from its grasp, it remains de- sohite and broken, till its beating is silenced by the cold hand of death. Oh that we could ever remember tlie uncer- tainty of things temporal, that we would even lay up our greatest treasure in that storehouse where no plunderer may ever enter; were no decay may corrupt or destroy ; then we might walk on our way calm and resigned, let what would befall us. But I have wandered from my story. After St. John had left, Kate and Ada retired. Kate, as was sometimes her cuijtom, going to Ada's room, to have a cha^. before going to bed; this night she remained there long; tiieir principal theme was Mr. St. John. " And so you think, Ada, he really £ 2 ■m mm 76 THE admiral's niece. 1 1 I' li was sincere in his excuses, ns not being jible to come here sooner? You are very simple, child; for my pnrt, I feel sure he is just like all men, ever ready with a falsehood to suit their own pur- poses. I have no doubt he could have easily found the way, if he had had the inclination to come." " Indeed, Kate, I am sure you wrong him. 1 believe him incapable of telling a falsehood. I am sorry you do not like him, Kate, he seems to me so pleasant ard agreeable." "Not like him, Ada? I never said I did not like him. I do not know him yet suiBciently, either to like or dislike. I only want to warn you against im- plicity, believing, or trusting men, es- pecially a stranger." :||! THE admiral's NIECE. 77 " Surely you do not call Mr. St. John a stranger? I almost look upon him in the light of an old friend, although I never actually knew him in former years; and you, Kate, ought not to con- sider him a stranger when he lived so many months in our old home." " Why, you know, people change so as they grow up; those we have known in childhood, sometimes do not choose to know us in later years, at any rate, I think it wiser to look upon them as strangers, till we really know them to be unaltered." '*But you do not find Mr. St. John disinclined to allow the intimacy of former years, Kate. He seems to de- light in recalling it, and aunt Emily says from what she knew of him as a ( i ^1 1! I i' i • (i 1 , '■] 1 I'll $ i' n, 1 ill 78 THE admiral's niece. boy, she is sure he cannot ever become proud and worldly, or forget any old friend." "Well, Ada, if you are determined to fall in love with this superlative youth, I cannot help it. I hope only he may turn out all that your romantic imagination pictures iiira," and waiting for no reply, she wished Ada good-night, leaving her to reflect on her words — words tiiat said so little, and yet implied so much, that they excited an un- pleasant and uncomfortable feeling in Ada's mind. She threw up the window, and looked out upon the calm water, in which myriads of stars were reflected; as she sat there thinking of St. John's truthful open face, and his kind and winning words, secretly r' THE admiral's NIECE. 79 wondering if such a face and such a voice could be untrue, the gentle moon slowly rose up, making a silver bridge across the bay. As Ada watched the wondrous beauty of the night, her own pure nature cast away its half conceived doubts of another's purity. " No," she mentally exclaimed, " I feel he is sincere, let Kate say what she will." And upbraiding herself for having en- tertained even a shadow of suspicion, she sought her couch, and was soon wrapped in the sweet sleep of health and inno- cence. Kate also had kept vigil, gazing out on the night, but its beauty, its holy calmness was lost upon her. Her mind was dis- tracted; the unholy fires of envy and jea- lousy were raging in her bosom. m ■ -i': m nil i It Hill r ; iiSJi \ '1- ' :lll It n ' iMi III!; ■i:i i : 1*^ II 80 THE admiral's NIECE. " She shall not marry him !" she ex- claimed, as she started up and paced to and fro in her chamber, and plan after plan she conned over in her own mind to win St, John from her cousin. She could come to no decision, however, but lay down with the determination that Ada and St. John should never become man and wife. It was long before she slept, and then it was only to dream over her diabolical schemes. Alas ! that a form so young and beautiful should contain a spirit that bore the likeness and similitude of the fallen angel. Is ''i : THE admiral's NIECE. 81 CHAPTER V From this time St. John became almost a daily visitor at the Retreat, and, despite Kate's scheming, assisted, as sl^o was, by- Edward, who was sure always, if possible, to accompany him in his visits, he and Ada had grown dearly to love each other; he had several times been admitted into Mrs. Hetherington's room, and had long, quiet conversations with her, and her earnest £ 5 Wi ' m p 1 :! 1 i ■ ll i 1( .5 1 • " 1 i I |r B ' .' ! ft ■ M .;i 82 THE admiral's niece. praises of him fell like sweetest music on Ada^s ear. By this time the glowing tints of autumn had faded away, and the trees, divested of their lirilliant coloured gar- ments, stood bare and gaunt, stretching out their denuded branuhes to the sky, as though beseeching pity for their desolate stf'ce. The north w!nd grew keen and cutting, and at hnt one \.ct\m still night, in the beginning of December, the Frost King stole forth, and aet his seal on every rivulet and brook, As yet he breathed but lightly on the Arm ; in the morning it showed but a thin c/mting of ice, but the next night, as if there Ytua no rivulet or brook CO divide hU attention, he spent his whole energy in makiijg fast those cold, deep waves, and fmi enough he did make IM m^ THE admiral's NIECE. 83 them, for the morning after, when Ada, looked out of her window, she saw a sledge filled with wood about half way across, the ice not bending or yielding beneath the horse's feet. " How glad I am," she exclaimed ; "now we shall have some skating parties." " Half the town will be assembled here presently," said the Admiral, as they sat at breakfast. " What a glorious day it is, not a cloud. I hope your skates are in good order, girls? The ice is perfect; I scarcely ever saw it so smooth. I should not wonder if the Governor and Lady D came out." " Oh, I hope they will," said Ada, " though we never can persuade Lady D to put on skates. She declares she '4'(l ^ll I 84 THE admiral's NIECE. it'i'i ! i; ''ill 1,1 is too old to learn, and should only break her neck." In two hours more numerous skaters were gliding over the Arm, and soon after luncheon the Governor and Lady D did make their appearance, accompanied by the General, St. John, and Edward. They were soon all prepared for the ice. Kate and Ada, enveloped in their furs, their dresses gracefully looped up (show- ing a bright scarlet petticoat trimmed with black velvet, made rather short so as not to impede Lbeir movements in skating) looked bewitching. St. John gazed at Ada's tiny feet in admiration, and on reaching the ice begged to be allowed to fasten on her skates, ar honor she smil- ingly accorded him. " Dangerous work that, St. John," said Iril pi Mi III;' THE admiral's NIECE. 85 Lord D , coming up to them ; " those are the prettiest little trotters in the world, more than enough to steal any man's heart from him. They stole mine the first time I ever saw them ; did they not, Ada." " Come, my Lord, don't be saucy ; you are at my mercy on the ice, you know, so I advise you to take care," and with a merry laugh she glided gracefully and swiftly away. Lord J) could not follow, scarcely being able to do jnore than stand on skates, but St. John, who was a perfect master of the a-t, was very soon close to her. *' Ah !" she said, as he came up, " I see you have been used to skating." *' Yes," he replied, " I have had a good Ms ! ■; ffliii se THE admiral's NIECE. (leal of practis'3 in Germany, though I have never been there through the whole winter; still I have often remained late enough for a few weeks' severe frost, and enjoyed the amusement of skating exceedingly." " I hear the ladies there skate wonder- fully well ; — is it so ?" *' They do. But allow me to say, Miss Kainsworth, I have never seen any one equal the ease with which you move ; you »eem so perfectly at home on the ice." " I don't think I deserve any credit for that, I have had so much practice, you know ; but wait till you have seen Kate, then you really will see good skating. Look! there she is; she has just started." It was a sight worth looking at, Kate Hetherington's skating; she was intensely THE admiral's NIECE. 87 vain, and in whati^ver she did was de- termined to out-do others. And here she certainly had succeeded. Among the numerous graceful gliding figures on the Arm she stood pre-eminent, attracting the eyes of all; every move- ment was a study full of perfect grace; to-day she seemed even to out-do herself, her cheek was ilushed with gratified vanity, and her eyes flashed and sparkled with intense brilliancy, as she saw every glance of admiration, and heard the many murmured words of astonishment and praise that each movement called forth. St' John's eye followed her as she shot rapidly past the spot where he and Ada stood. " It is truly wonderful," he said, " I never saw anything so perfect." "< ■ 88 THE admiral's niece. '4 ! i^l " I knew you would say so, but come, let us follow her to the head of the An and then with the wind in our back we ahall come down at at a rapid pace." Kate seemed to fly before them, they found it impossible to come up with her, when suddenly, not perceiving the point of a rock protruding through the ice, she tripped over it and fell. Ailu uttered an exclamation of terror, and Bt. John using his utmost speed, soon reached the spot where the prostrate girl lay without making any attempt to move; he perceived that she had fainted, and leaving her to Ada's care, who had now also reached the place, he hurried off for assistance. Before the rest of the party could come up, Kate opened her eyes, looking around THE admiral's niece. 89 her confusedly for a miaute; then recollect- ing she said : " How clumsy of me At the same time ...^ u.ed to rise, but the movement almost made her faint again. " I have hurt my foot in some way," she said. And a look of vexation spread over her face as she thoup^ht that perhaps this acci- dent might interfere with her scheraiiig, and leave Ada and St. John more alone than ever. " Don't try to move, dear Kate," said Ada, as she kissed her, " I do hope it may be nothing serious, but here comes papa, and with him Dr. Ordman, who I saw among the skaters; how fortunate that he happened to be here." W i« ^>. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 Ik |30 I.I "i m £ Its IIM 1.8 ^M ^'^ 1.6 .4 6" - ► <9^ ^. TM .V ^k his departure. " I am very sorry for this unfortunate accident," said Lady D. to Ada, who had just come down from Kate's room to say good bye to them. " I had intended to carry you and Kate off with me; we have a few people coming to dinner, and I thought we might get up a little dance afterwards. Poor Kate, I am afraid her dancing is at an end for some time." I ■11 ■■f\ ■ \i' n 92 THE admiral's NIECE. \i% II And with reiterated regrets, the whole party made their adieus. ** I know some one who will be dull to- night," said Lord D., glancing slily at St. John, as they got into the carriage, and he bantered him all the way home on his downcast looks. Edward, fortunately, was with the General, or he would not have been very much pleased at Lord D.'s raillery. He was as much annoyed at the accident as Kate herself; he saw that in spite of them, the intimacy between Ada and St. , ii was growing stronger each day; and " now," he thought, " my chance is at an end ; with Kate out of the way, they will be thrown into each other's society more than ever, and there is no doubt how it will end. I see St. John is desperately in -.vjsaatfL*- THE admiral's NIECE. 93 W :• love already ; what a fool I was ever to introduce him at the house; however, I suppose he would have found his way out there without me." And sullenly and despondingly he pre- pared for the dance at Government House. On arriving there, he found St. John sitting quietly talking to Lady D. She had tried in vain to persuade him to dance; he pier ded a head-ache. " Ah," she said with a smile, " I think it is more of a heart-ache. This accident is certainly very unfortunate; the room to me looks empty without Kate and Ada." Edward at this moment came up. "What! not dancing, St. John?" he said; "surely, Lady D., you don't allow that?" '4 > L' •■ L I i ' !iiiil < ; mini |N4Ui 94 THE admiral's NIECE. " Why, Mr. St. John is suffering from a head-ache, and I have excused him ; there- fore I shall expect you, Mr. Hetherington, to do double duty, so you had better go and get a partner for the dance that is just going to begin." Thus dismissed, Edward was obliged to go, though he fain would have lingered to hear what St. John and Lady D. were so earnestly conversing about; he felt it was about Ada. " Even she must conspire against me," he peevishly said to himself; " I thought she was above matchmaking, but I believe all women are alike in that respect." And with unwilling steps, he claimed a pretty blue eyed girl for a partner, and mingled in the quadrille just formed. " Will you answer me one question. ■i-i THE admiral's NIECE. 95 Lady D.?" said St. John abruptly, after having remained silent for some time. " Have you any reason to believe that Miss Rains worth is fond of her cousin (Edward, I mean), and is there any en- gagement, or a chance of one between them?" " I have never heard of anything of the kind," she replied. " I have seen them often together, but I must candidly say I never saw anything that could warrant such a supposition, nor do I believe there is a chance of such a thing. I feel sure Ada but feels a cousinly regard for him; but why do you ask?" " I hardly know ; something Edward said the other day conveyed the idea to my mind, and yet there was nothing in his actual words, it was the tone and 4 ■hm .i: 96 THE admiral's NIECE. [Ill' I V. mi Mm manner; no doubt I mistook his meaning, but somehow I have felt uncomfortable ever since. I may confess to you," he continued, after an irresolute pause, " that this is a matter of great importance to me. I hardly knew how great, until the thought that she could be engaged to another gained possession of my mind. I love her. Lady D , with my whole soul," and his voice trembled with emotion. " I have watched your growing pffection my dear Mr. St. John, for some time," replied Lady D. ; " and though I may be wrong, I have fancied that Ada is not alto- gether indifferent to you." *' Oh ! I wish that I dared to think so." Just then Lord D. came up. " Are you two discussing the affairs of the nation," he said, laughing. " You r^Ut** ''J THE admiral's NIECE. 97 look as grave as though life or death de- pended on your decision." " Well, I am not sure that it does not," said Lady D , looking slyly at St. John. "Ha! ha! is that it? Why, St. John, you look as downcast as if the lady had said, ' believe me, I feel deeply sensible of the honor you have done me, and must always esteem you as a friend, but, &c., &c.' It is not quite so bad as that, is it." " No, no," said St. John, laughing, "but it may be if ever I have the courage to ask the question." " Take my word, ' No' ; I know some- thing about these sort of things, and if a certain little lady is not at this moment thinking of you, and wishing she were here, why then I am mistaken, and have no knowledge of the fair sex." VOL. I. F ■^S' ■11 iTns ffil IS •fc.M MB Ww ^^K t (.1 ■If * "1 tf ™ , »» I*! to f *^\& m l-tl mm L„iK ^1 98 THE admiral's NIECE. |1 -I: 1 Though St. John denied the possibUity of such a thing, he nevertheless looked pleased, and went home buoyant with hope again. " Surely they cannot be mistaken ; they know her so well. Oh ! if I only could be sure, if 1 had but the courage to decide my fate. What could Edward have meant? Perhaps the Admiral is bent upon their union; and yet I think he would have given me some hint upon the subject ; he is not the person to keep any thing of that kind secret. I will sound Mrs. Hetherington about it the first oppor- tunity I get. Kate has once or twice, I thought, hinted at something of the kind. I don't think that girl likes me, but per- haps this is all my fancy. Heigh ho ! it is a miserable thing I find to be in io^e, at 'H TUE admiral's niece. 99 i I. least in this horrid state of uncertainty," and he turned into bed, and dreamed that Ada had refused him. After St. John had left, the Governor and Lady D. discussed the matter, for it was a subject that interested them both greatly. *' And so he confessed his love for he r, Emmy? But what made him think she might be engaged to her cousin?" *' He did not tell me exactly what ; something that Edward said the other day, led him to suppose such a thing might be possible; but I fancy I have set his mind at rest on that point. You do not think there is any thing but a cousinly regard between them, Henry?" " No, certainly not ; and if ever I saw a little lady in love I should say Ada was F 2 rC I I u tH Till 100 THE admiral's NIECE. with St. John. I wish she could have been here to-night, now that Kate is laid upon the shelf for a time; I'll take a wager this affair will come to a crisis. 1 cannot help thinking that it is partly her fault that it has not been settled before this ; what think you, Emmy, do you not consider Ada over head and ears in love?" " Yes, I think there is no mistaking that her heart has been caught; dear child, it is a very happy prospect for her. St. John appears to me all that a man should be." " He is a capital fellow," replied Lord D., " and will love and cherish her as she deserves. God bless the pair of them, say I!" THE admiral's NIECE. 101 CHAPTER VI. The frost still contiaued, and St. John day after day found himself in the midst of the merry party of skaters on the Arm. Ada did not always join them, for Kate, who was still unable to move, contrived to keep her in pretty close attendance on her room, always requiring something which she said no one could do as well as Ada, who, poor girl, was only too glad to do all that she could to make her cousin comfort- it 102 THE admiral's NIECE. ■.I ^ ff|i r i! I <; able, and when St. John remained (as many a time the Admiral insisted that he should) to dine with them, Edward was sure to remain also, and would engross the few moments that Ada was able to give them of her society, by making, what seemed to St. John, the most unnecessarily minute enquiries as to how Kate was get- ting on ; and once or twice his manner was so tender in beseeching Ada not to wear herself out by such close attendance upon the invalid, that St. John began to be certain that he at least was actuated by other feelings than a cousinly regard; he became in consequence low spirited and dull, so much so that the Admiral constantly joked him on the subject, telling him he was sure there was some fair one in the case; at last the doubt in his mind became THE admiral's NIECE. 103 intolerable, and he determined to know the truth, so he asked one day if Mrs. Hether- ington was equal to seeing him. After some conversation on general topics with her, he said with a nervous laugh : " Poor Edward see ns quite cut up by the loss of Miss Rainsworth's society." " Yes, I fear you all find it dull in the evenings without ladies. I do hope poor Kate will soon be able to move ; dear Ada is so unselfish, I often beg her to go down and amuse herself for a little while, but she says she is sure Eate likes her nursing better than anybody.'s else. And as I know that it is a real pleasure to her to be of use, I just yield and let her have her own way." "It is certainly very amiable of her, but do you not think, Mrs. Hetherington, :i ::t;i m f "i:i' 1 1 ,', ., !| 104 THE admiral's NIECE. that some little consideration is due to Ed- ward, and that for his sake she should not shut herself up so completely." t« Why do you particularly mention Ed- ward, Mr. St. John? If any one has a claim on Ada, I should think it would be her father." " Then it is not true," said St. John, while the colour mounted to his temples, " that Edward is engaged to his cousin ?" " Edward engaged to Ada ! This is the first I have heard of it, but may I ask what led you to suppose so?" " Really I can hardly say, it seemed a very natural thing ; but no doubt it was a mere fancy of my own brain, Mrs. Hether- ington, for I cannot say I ever heard any one speak of it." " Ah, young men's brains are given to THE admiral's NIECE. 105 fancying strange things," replied Mrs. Hetherington, looking slyly at him, for her quick woman's tact had led her in a mo- ment to see how the matter stood, " but let me assure you that this fancy is altogether an erroneous one ; I do not approve myself of cousins marrying, and I feel sure that both Ada and Edward look upon each other in the light of brother and sister." This was a great load taken off St. John's mind; after a few moment's more conversation, with a brightened eye and a lightened step, he took his leave ; joyfully bounded his heart as he fastened on his skates ; action was needed to carry off his wild excitement, and for some time he skated rapidly alone; but soon feeling calmer, he joined some of his brother offi- F 5 I'^i : i M if It 'i^ id 106 THE admiral's NIECE. ui n A tit cers, who were on the Arm, laughing and flirting with a bevy of fair faces. Two hours ago St. John would have wondered how they could all be so merry, now he was ready to join in every jest, and give back laugh for laugh with the gayest there. Presently the Admiral joined the party. " Ah," he said, " I fear your fun on the ice will soon be at an end, at least for a time ; my judgment is seldom at fault in the matter of weather, and take my word for it, we shall have snow, and not a little, before this time to-morrow." " Not a bit of it, admiral," said a laugh- ing, bright-eyed girl, " I have no idea of giving up my skating already, and surely there is no snow in such a sky as that,*' pointing upwards. ^■■v>'.a THE admiral's NIECE. 107 "It certainly looks blue and clear enough now, but nevertheless, my dear young lady, I think you will have to con- fess by this time to-morrow, that I was right; don't you feel the change in the air, its sharpness and crispness all are gone. I am certain we shall have a heavy fall to- night." "Well, I for one, shall not be sorry to see it," said St. John. " I long to have a little sleighing; I flatter myself that my sleigh is rather well got up; you have not seen it yet. Admiral." "No; of course, you are a member of the tandem club?" " Yes, and as I find it is the custom for every gentleman to take a lady with him, in case the snow may come, I will just walk up with you to the 1 M i^^i m :•,.,[!■ 108 THE admiral's NIECE. ■ ifil ': I 4,1 1 1 house, and ask Miss Rainsworth if she will honor me with her presence on the first cluh-day, which I take it, will not be long after the snow falls." "Come along, then, my dear boy; I have no doubt she will be delighted to go, and we must try and persuade Kate to spare her for a day." Kate reluctantly yielded to the re- quest, and after making all arrange- ments, St. John took his departure with a lighter heart than he had known for many a day. m i I! THE admiral's NIECE. 109 I i ■'% CHAPTER VII. The Admiral was right, the next morn- ing the whole country was enveloped in a dazzling white mantle; how beautiful and pure it looked; every tree was wrapped in its fleecy soft drapery, with outstretched arms seeming proudly to hold their cold burden; not a foot- print, as yet, ruffled the even surface in road or field; it had snowed inces- santly all through the night, though 'it 't I '! no THE admiral's NIECE. < !l il filiii I,!'; I ili 1 ^ silently as a fairy's footstep; no wind had driven the feathery particles into impassable drifts, they fell evenly and smoothly, and now lay mnny inches deep. "I have no doubt the club will go out to-morrow," said the admiral, as he and Ada sat at breakfast. " "What glorious sleighing we shall have. I think I never saw such a deep snow lie so evenly. Poor Kate, she will be in despair, when she hears the merry bells, and feels herself shut out from partak- ing in the fun." " Indeed, it is miserable work for her, dear papa, being obliged to lie there helpless day after day, and no wonder her patience is sometimes exhausted; but Dr. Ordman says in a little while she may be supported to the drawing- THE admiral's NIECE. Ill ■^1 room, where she can rest on a sofa, and find it more cheeiful than her own room. I do wish she could go with us to-morrow. I only hope the day will be as fine as this; but may I ask, what fair lady intends to bestow her com- pany on you, or rather on your comfor- table sleigh?" "My sleigh, indeed, you impertinent little puss; why all the prettiest girls in the town are in love with me, and if I could only make up my mind which to choose among so many fair flowers, I should soon punish you with a step- mother. My sleigh will not carry the dullest eyes in the company to-morrow, you may depend on it." " Well, papa," said Ada, laughing, *'do tell me who it is to be? i 112 THE admiral's niece. ■ 'ill ' "No. I shall not gratify your curiosity for your impertinence; but I must first win the fair one's consent, so will order the sleigh for that purpose after luncheon. I dare say the streets in the town will be well beaten down by that time." " Then I shall go too, papa. I don't think you are to be trusted alone." "Well, you shall, if you don't keep me waiting, and are ready to start im- mediately after luncheon." " Then I must go up and read to Kate now. I will not fail to be ready, papa," she looked back to say, as she was leaving the room. Kate was irritable, and hard to please that morning; but Ada bore with her ill-humour most patiently, ever giving ^fi 'ii 'ill! THE admiral's NIECE. 113 ^1- SI the soft answer that turneth away wrath, though, alas! on Kate that did not always have the desired effect; she had hoped that the snow would not come until she was ahle to move about again. The thought of Ada and St. John driving together was very bitter to her; but she lay there inactive and powerless to help it; her own impatience and restlessness only retarding her recovery. As she heard her uncle's sleigh come round to the door, the horses impatiently shaking their heads, and with every move- ment sending forth a merry peal of bells, tears of vexation actually stole down her cheek ; and when Ada came in, looking so bright and lovely, all prepared for her drive, to ask if there was any commission she could execute for her, she answered crossly. rrri in 114 THE admiral's NIECE. ^' EBil I "'I ,1*1 I :rH ! "No, I shall not trouble you, you will find plenty of occupation in your own amusement. I have no doubt you will be glad to forget my existence for a little while," and she deigned no return to the kiss that Ada silently imprinted on her cheek, ere she hurried away to the Admiral's impatient call. They found numerous sleighs driving about, and exchanged cheerful greetings with many of their occupants; every one seemed in high spirits. The Admiral as- certained that the Tandem Club did intend going out on the morrow, and after a few turns round the town, he drove to Govtu- ment House, and finding Lady D. at b ? , beofged that she would bestow her company on hiiji, a request which she readily grantiti THE ADMIRAL*S NIRCE. 115 " I am to be the president, it b'^ems," hf, 3aid, " and Colonel — — is vice ; if this weather only lasts, what a jolly day we shall have; but here is Lord D. coming in. I see he has had his sleigh newly rigged; what a magnificent robe that is. >> "Is it not? it was a present from a friend in Montreal." At this moment Lord D. entered. "1 hope you are admiring my new turn out," he said, seeing them clustered at one of the windows ; " but do you know that the Club goes out to-morrow ? They are anxious for me to join them, and I think I shall if I can get away. What say you, Ada; may I have the honor of drivuigyou?" " You are too late, my lord; I have al- I m M i IT 116 THE admiral's NIECE. m li'h' '0' I 'V''' ready promised to go with Mr. St. John," said Ada, the tell tale colour suffusing her cheek and brow. " Ha, that accounts for St. John's wild spirits; I met him when I was out, and wondered what had happened to him. Ada, how exceedingly becoming a blush is to you." "Nonsense, Henry," said Lady D., coming to her relief; " it is nothing but the reflection of the red curtains." **Red curtains are very convenient things, Admiral, are they not ; but as you are the President, you can tell me what is the time and place of meeting to-morrow ?" " Oh, the meet will be on the old spot, the parade ground, and the hour is fixed for eleven. Will that be too early for you?" I \i 111 ^"^t THE ADMIRAt's NIECE. 117 " Not a bit ; these short days do not allow of a late start." "Do you intend going, Emmy?" "Yes, the Admiral has kindly offered me a seat." " Well, I shall take the old General out of spite, as Ada has thrown me over; but how did you leave poor Kate? She is so fond of sleighing, this will be a great dis- appointment to her." " It is a very great one," replied Ada, " I do hope she will not be kept a prisoner much longer. Dr. Ordman thinks she will soon be able to move about a little; but she will be impatient for my return ; we must really go now, papa" And with reiterated hopes of a fine day and a pleasant meet on the morrow, they took their departure. "' 'I' ■ m yi '*. ■1^ !,:,., \i:m 118 THE admiral's NIECE. CHAPTER VIII. ■i ! "I '' 'il ■ ,, m iiiii f The morn broke bright and clear; not a cloud floated over the sky's deep blue vault; the sun's beams danced gaily upon the snow, making it sparkle and glitter as though thousands of gems were embedded in its surface. Sleigh after sleigh assembled on the parade ground, in front of Dalhousie College, and began to form in line prepa- ratory to a start. First came the Admiral (as was the custom for the President), THE admiral's NIECE. 119 driving four in hand, the magnificent horses pawing up the snow in their impa- tience to be off; his sleigh robes were of handsome black bear's skin, edged with scarlet cloth, which completely enveloped the body of the sleigh. At the back of each seat ran a strip of scarlet cloth, on which hung at intervals an ermine skin. At the ears of the horses were small scarlet feathers; the ornaments of the harness and the bells were of silver, the latter so arranged that they formed a chime ; and a sweet and most musical one it was. Lady D. sat by the Admiral's side, almost buried amidst the soft furs ; he was fidgeting and grumbling at the non-arrival of the vice- president and one or two of the other members of the club. " There is St. John at last," he re- ^1 120 THE admiral's NIECE. I |((ii ,i I Li 11 r 1:1! I i* 11 marked. '* Not a bad turn out that, is it, Lady D. ?" "No; how exceedingly pretty, and how lovely Ada looks." St. John's sleigh was robed with white wolf skins, edged with blue cloth; his horses were chesnuts, of a particularly handsome colour, the leader especially was a splendid creature, attracting general at- tention. The blue rosettes, with their gracefully floating streamers adorning each ear, harmonized with, and set off their golden tinted coats. St. John looked proud and happy as he took the place assigned him. There were numerous other sleighs on the ground, each more or less handsome, from whose thickly furred seats glanced many a bright eye. THE admiral's NIECE. 121 '''.ti At last they were all ready, and the bugle in tlie Vice-President's sleigh rang out the note for a start, and scarcely waiting for the nimble grooms to whisk off the cloths and scramble into their places, they are off. No creaking or rattling of wheels; noiselessly and swiftly they glide over the ground, nothing giving warning or their coming save that soft tinkling of bells; merrily, merrily, one after another, each keeping a staled distance, they dash round the town, sweeping through the drive before Government House, and then away round the beautiful Bedford Basin into the country. Hark! as they wind along ever and anon rings out the cheering sound of the bugle, fainter and fainter, till at last it is lost in the distance. VOL. I. G • 4 «. I. I iitifl I, a ti- i 'Ml •.'•\\ m 122 THE admiral's niece. i 'i! I '!l '■:^W. i t They soon reach the place of their des- tination, a regular old-fashioned inn ahout twelve miles from the town, whose land- lady, " fair, fat, and forty," stands in the door-way with a heaming countenance to receive them : she having had intimation of their coming, has every thing in readi- ness. Huge fires sparkle and glow in the large grates, and steaming jugs of mulled port scent the air with their spicy fragrance. How joyous every one seems as they cluster round the cheerful hearth; jest after jest goes round, and rosy lips send forth peals of musical laughter. Now they are seated round the groaning hoard, partnking of what is called in the country a " heavy tea," consisting (besides tea and coffee) of chickens, hams, cold .'Tim. I THE admiral's NIECE. 123 i>ounds of beef, and a nameless variety of the good things of this life. The days are very short now, and after their merry meal, they find the large room appropriated to the purpose, lit up fur a dance. The floor of that room is always in capital order; it has been so often well waxed, and well danced upon. Now the enticing notes of part of the — th baud invite them to enter, and soon numbers of graceful forms and fairy feet are doing full justice to that exquisite music. « The hours quickly speed on, till the an- nouncement is made that the moon has risen, and they must begin to prepare for a start; then comes the muffiing and wrapping up, the cheerful good night to the buxom landlady, and again they are off. G 2 I 'ill 'ii M m ■ III I !■ 124 THE admiral's niece. What a drive home that was; will Ada ever forget it? The moonlight falling on the unsullied snow makes the night as light as day What a sight it is, as they skim along amidst the statedly trees, which on either side throw their flickering shadows across the road; one might fancy it a magic procession, moving on without sound, save the sweet tinkling bell music. As they reach the town each sleigh branches of! to deposit at her own resi- vlence its fair freight. St. John, after saying good night to Ada and her father, returned to his own quarters. He was in no mood for sleep; buried in an arm chair, he sat before a blazing fire, lost in a dreamy reverie. He had drank in deep draughts of hap- piness that day ; he could not be mistaken, TU£ admiral's niece. 125 he felt sure he had won a place in Ada's heart; to-morrow must decide his fate; he had whispered at parting that he should see her to-morrow. If he should be mis- taken after all? and his heart seemed to beat slower at the bare thought. But no, her soul wi.6 too pure to allow her to play the coquette, and he had seen the light ol love glow within those wondrous blue eyes. " My Ada !" he murmured softly, as he shook off this dreamy fit, and rose to pre- pare for rest, and soon in the land of dreams the scenes of the past day were enacted over and over again. Ada on her return, gently stole into Kate's room ; a soft smile was on her lips, and her eyes seemed filled with an inward happiness; she enquired tenderly how the invalid was, and how she had passed the i.tlH 4 126 THE admiral's niece. < I ^1 r I \ day, to which she received but surly answers; but to-night the cold and unkind words fell harmless; she seemed walking as it were, in a dream, and outward things for the moment had no power to dethrone the blissful spirit within ; with a cheerful good night, and a loving kiss on Kate's brow, she sought her own room ; her maid was quickly dismissed, and then wrapped in a soft blue cashmere dressing gown, Wiiii her golden hair floating round her, she sat on a low stool gazing into the fire, till long after the hall clock had tolled the knell of ano- ther day's departure. Ah ! how sweet are the dreams of youth ! Who, in the solitude of their own room, has not at some time or other, sat like A.da, lost in happy dreams of futurity ? How bright has life then seemed ; no cloud even THE admiral's niece. 127 in the distant horizon — bright, bright sun- shine everywhere; alas! that those early dreams are so seldom fulfilled. Alas ! that the sweet spring's bud and blossom should so often be nipped by the keen frost, and that no fruit should crown what promised so fair. Kate also had her reverie that night, what meant that look on Ada's face ? Had St. John declared his love? No, Ada surely would have spoken to her of it, and yet that look puzzled her; she bewailed Ed- ward's absence, who some days before had been sent away for a short time on duty ; oh, that she should have to lay there power- less, and she clenched her hand, and a heavy shadow passed over her handsome face, distorting and disfiguring its fair outline. " I will come between them yet," she 'M m •'i'. :i I 11 'i ill I Kl: 'iil 128 THE admiral's niece. saitl, hftlf aloud, " love in a cottage is a fit- ting thing for her, but the palace is for me, aye, and mine it must be." For hours she lay restless and wakeful, and when sleep visited her eyelids 'twas scarce a boon, it was but the uneasy repose of a mind not at rest. Ah ! when do the sinful, the vain, and the ambitious, ever find rest. TUE admiral's NIl.CE. 129 CHAPTER IX. ^•^'t The morrow brought St. John to the Re- treat; he found the Admiral preparing to go out. Ada lingered in her own room, where she had retired on the first sound of bells, till the repeated calls of her father forced her to come down. " I must leave you, my dear, to enter- tain St. John for a little while," he said, " as Cox wishes to see me about one of the horses who is ill." And without noticing Ada's deepening G 5 mli m m I ' . ! ii. i\m< 1 I 130 THE admiral's NIECE. colour, he left the room. She began ner- vously speaking about the drive of the day before. " It was indeed a pleasant day," replied St. John, " the pleasantest, I think, that I ever experienced, for it has given rise to a fond hope within my heart; a hope, Ada," he continued, taking her hand, " on the realization of which depends my every chance of happiness. I have loved you deeply from the first moment of our meet- ing; you, since then, have been blended with every thought; and now life to me without you would be but a poor boon; say, dearest Ada," and his voice shook with emotion, " will you yield me this little hand? Will you be my wife?" For a moment Ada answered not; her cheek had grown very pale, and her eyes THE admiral's NIECE. 131 Hi , were cast down, so that he could not read their expression ; the thought that after all she did not love him, that he had been mistaken, rushed painfully through his brain." " Ada," he said, " will you not answer me?" There was so much trouble in the voice that she cast oflf all girlish shyness at once, and lifting her eyes suddenly to his, the bright colour mantling in her cheek, she said: '' Yours, yours for ever, Herbert." " God bless you for those words, my Ada !" he murmured, as he drew her to him, " how shall 1 ever repay you for them ?" At this moment the Admiral entered. *' Upon my word," he said, " you seem m 'V [■'mm < I I r !> ; ,11 iMI, . ! ij r ! 1 i • -.- 3 l: ;:! ;: ,i.j '1 1, t ■ ; ' 1 1 Hi ; i. pi r 'il !i:!: i?lr| u ri! Hi!!' liiili 132 THE admiral's NIECE. to have entertained each other vastly well since my departure. It strikes me I am rather de trop^ But ere he had done speaking, Ada had glided from the room, and in the solitude of her own chamber sought to still the wild tumult in her breast. St. John told his tale of love, and be- sought the Admiral's consent to their union. " From what I can see," he replied, " it would be useless my saying * no,' even if I had a mind to ; but to tell you the truth, my dear boy, I am greatly pleased that matters have turned out so, and willingly give my consent, feeling sure that my dar- ling will be safe in your hands. She has been a bright star to me, St. John, cheer- ing the evening of my declining years; it THE admiral's NIECE. 133 will be dark to me without her :" And the moisture gathered in the oldman's eyes. "God forbid, my dear sir," said St. John hastily, " that I should be the means of making the remaining years of )our life unhappy! What need for separation? You will share our home, I trust? Surely you would not wish to end your life so far away from your native land?" " We will talk of this at another time," said the Admiral, the shadow lifting from off his brow. After a little more conversation, St, John, who had some duty to perform in the town, took his departure, promising to return to dinner, and the Admiral sought an interview with his child. It was a long and tender one, seahoned like April showers, with smiles and tears. i I i ' ''fjl • , 'I'til m -f; --til. r I \i'i 'V 'if '/I Hi: ,1 : Ml Pi DM' S!lf! :i|;' ii ,:i '! ' I'M !! Mil' • liiiM 134 THE admiral's NIECE. Ada confessed that she was very happy, and St. John had long been dear to her heart. She drank in her father's praises of him, those very praises making that loved parent dearer and dearer to her. With a trembling voice and overflowing eyes she asked: " My father, this will not part us?" " Nay, my child," he replied, as he pressed her to his heart, "I trust not;" but he continued, " we must have no red eyes at dinner to-day; that would be but a bad compliment to a certain friend of mine whom I expect. I shall leave you to get up your prettiest looks, while I go and announce the grand event to your aunt." " You had better go and talk the matter over with Kate," he said, as he left the I n ! THE admiral's NIECE. 135 •,'■' I ■A room; "she will be hurt, perhaps, at not being told at once." Ada would rather not have gone to Kate just then ; she felt somehow her cousin had rather a dislike for St. John, and could not therefore sympathise with her happi- ness. " However," she said to herself, " it must be done, and the sooner I get it over the better ; I have no doubt she has been wondering what has kept me away from her so long." And half reluctantly, half pleased, she sought her cousin's room. There was a red angry spot on Kate's cheek, and in an impatient voice she asked where A. da had been all the day : " I think it very unkind of you," she said, " after having been away all yester- 'm m Ml it! ^ ■ - m i -i . ^rnmi .:. i^ ;=imi.^.Ma w. ! M ilii - ii! I ■ kV ''111 i'K J i;! lit N:: i'lir Mil I .-Mi I ' |! I! j III 1 mmamimmfm 136 THE admiral's NIECE. day, to have left me alone again to-day; you know that Dixon cannot read to me, and that I soon get tired of reading my- self. I should not have ^ound it such a trouble to have remained with you a few hours in the day, if you had been so ill and helpless." "Nay, dear Kate, don't be unjust, I have never found it a trouble to be of use to you; but" — and she blushed, " I had a good reason to day for not coming. Mr. St. John has been here, and —and—" " No doubt," Kate interrupted, " Mr. St. John's society is far more agreeable than mine. Ha, I see," she continued, looking at Ada's face, while a sneer curled her lip, "He has proposed; and, of course, been accepted?" THE admiral's NIECE, 137 " Yes, Kate, and papa has willingly given his consent." " Well, my dear, I wish you joy of him. I only hope it may turn out as well as you expect ;" and she began conversing on other subjects with an indifferent air, while envy, jeakdsy, and even hatred, were bubbling and boiling in her heart. How different were her feelings to those of the happy trio assembled down stairs that evening; there all was peace and calm; with her was tumult and storm; billow after billow rolled over her unquiet soul, and strong was her determination to get up the next day. "Even yet I will come between them ; if it had not been for this tiresome accident it never would have come to this," she murmured, "What has Edward been about? fool that he is.'* ■•I U I * ■' i m ifiM 'HHwil '! i I 11'! ;i I I : "i 'IP S ^..: ir 11 ,1 I ;:ls i I 138 THE admiral's NIECE. Diflferent were 'ler dreams that night to those of Ada; jver the one spirits of light hovered, gently fanning her to slumber with their angel wings, sealing the droop- ing eyelids with the kiss of peace; wh)le over the other, alas ! no good spirit found a place, the powers of darkness reigning triumphant. m THE admiral's NIECE. 139 CHAPTER X. For a few weeks, sunny were the days to the bethrothed lovers. Kate had so far recovered that she was able to walk with- out assistance, and to join the merry sleigh- ing parties that still enlivened the winter days. Christmas, with its gay festivities, had passed; it was new year's day. The two girls were entertaining a host of gentlemen visitors, for such is the custom of the i Ii' I 140 THE admiral's NIECE. iiii .it;; '\\\ ,11 ii ilili: .1 ■ 41 country on new year's day ; no lady is seen out of doors ; at twelve o'clock the governor holds a lev^e, and from that time, until dark, the town is filled with sleighs, crowded with gentlemen rushing about from house to house, at each of which they are expected, to taste at least, the wine or cherry brandy offered to them. It is a goodly custom ; on that occasion, many friends who have been separated are again brought together; many a quarrel brought to an end, dying out with the old year. There had been a ball at government-house the night before (as was always the case on new year's eve) and merry and gay was the conversation on its event. Among other visitors at the " Ketreat," Lord D had driven out in the after- noon : II! ! i H Hi I % THE admiral's niece. 141 *' I expected to have found St. John here," he said to Ada. " I fancied I saw his sleigh before me on the road." " No," she replied, " he had numerous visits in the town to get through with, and as he dines here, we excused his making a morning call as well. It was Captain Athol's sleigh, his and Herbert's you know are exactly alike." " Ah, so they are, I forgot that ; but do you know, fair lady, you are looking rather sad to-day; how is that? Did St. John flirt last night with any of the pretty faces that graced our rooms, and so stirred up jealousy in your poor little heart." " Oh ! no, my Lord," said Ada laughing. " I do feel sad, though I have no such reason, in fact, no reason at all; but I felt when I awoko this morning, as if a cloud \ ir % ! d ' ,1 142 THE admiral's NIECE. were hanging over me, and all day I have tried constantly to shake it off, but in vain; I feel as if some dreadful calamity is going to happen;" and her lovely eyes actually filled with tears. "Nonsense, child, the only thing going to happen, is that St. John inten Is insisting to night on your naming the happy day. Cheer up, my little Ada, or your melan- choly face will quite spoil my dinner; but I really must be off now. I saw that the steamer from England was signaled before I left home; and I have no doubt she is in by tb^'s time. 1 am anxious to hear the news. Pray Heaven, that we may hear that Stbastopol has fallen," and with a kindly shake of the hand, and another admoiiition to cheer up, he de- parted. THE admiral's NIECE. 143 On liis road home he met the Admiral, who was looking grave and thoughtful ; be pulled up when he saw Lord D. " I have bad news for Ada, my Lord, the — th have just received orders to hold themselves in readiness for immediate cni' barkation to the seat of war; the troop- ship that is to convey them may be hourly expected. I saw St. John for a moment; he is torn by conflicting feelings; hh natural bravery, and the earnest longing he has iwr had to distinguish himself, and his We for my poor child; tlie latter I think is uppermost at present, for his voice shook as he told me of their orders, and I could hardly resist the pleading of his eyes when he begged that they might be mar- ried at once ; but that I cannot consent to, ■'■'.' Ill -».:3l 1 144 THE admiral's NIECE. , I i i;i:i||l ■•, ItiliPin! ^'Mm IJ: she could not accompany him, and it would break my heart to see her a widow ere scarcely she were a wife." " I think you are right, Admiral ; poor little Ada! this will be a dreadful blow to her. She might well look sad to-day," and with grave faces the friends parted. On reaching home the unusually dis- turbed face of her father made Ada immediately exclaim : " What has happened, papa? You have some bad news to tell." " It is indeed sad, my darling," he said, drawing her to him till her fair head rested on his breast. " St John — " But at that name Ada sprung up, and with a colorless face, and in a voice almost inarticulate with emotion, exclaimed: "What is it, papa? has there been any :l'.| have and THE admiral's NIECE. 145 accident? Is Her — ?" and her choking utterance became stopped by a flood of tears. "No, no, my child!" hastily replied the Admiral, in a soothing voice; "St. John is perfectly well, but the steamer to-day brought orders for his regiment to proceed with all despatch to the East, and the transport to convey them may be expected to arrive any day." Poor Ada! this was almost worse news than she had dreaded; she retired to her own room, for even her kind father's sym- pathy at that moment oppressed her; she wished to be alone, where no eye might behold her grief. With tottering steps she paced up and down, half stunned by this heavy and un- expected blow. VOL. I. H ''Jk w :.y*m 146 THE admiral's NIECE. ill ■ "M i I! p liiii !|P 'i \'\ iiii'iii mil Mill 11 'i *' My sad forebodings were right," she murmured; "the dark cloud that I felt was hanging over me has burst, and swept away my happiness;" then throwing her- self on the bed she wept long and bitterly, till recollecting that it must be nearly dinner time, she roused herself, and with trembling hands tried to efface the signs of tears. Just then some one knocked at the door, and scarcely waiting for her low " come in," Kate, already dressed for dinner, entered. She threw her arms affectionately round Ada, saying : " Poor darling ! this is a dreadful trial for you, but all will be right in the end; and for Herbert's sake you will strive to bear it cheerfully, will you not, dear?" and she kissed the poor quiver- .,1. il-i, .A<4 ' she I felt swept I her- tterly, nearly 1 with igns of at the r low ed for round il trial end; strive u not, quiver- e THE admiral's NIECE. 147 ing lips, that for the moment could not reply. Comforted by this unusual show of affection on her cousin's part, Ada strove to assume a more composed air, and gladly assented to Kate's offer to assist her in n dressing, not wishing just then to meet the inquisitive eyes of her maid. Poor child ! her eyes were too heavy to note the triumphant light that shone in her cousin's; she did notice how high were her spirits, as she talked merrily all the time she was assisting at her toilette (which, despite Ada's wearied indifference, was made more elaborate than usual), but in the innocence of her unsuspecting nature, she put it down to an affectionate desire to cheer her drooping heart, and said to herself, " Kate does not really dis- H 2 ;'■'• r: I iJiS rir~( rm ir-''i ! i • .1 ' mi I' '<] ' ■[i'illill ^^i' >( 1' nN;i !i 148 THE admiral's NIECE. like poor Herbert, after all;" and felt soothed and pleased at the seeming dis- covery. Ah ! could she but have read the true sen- timents of that false girl's heart; could she but have seen the throb of joy at the in- telligence that had caused her own heart such bitter anguish, how horror stricken she would have been, and how she would have shrunk from those caresses, that now so helped to stem the rushing torrent of her misery. Dinner had been announced ere they de- scended to the drawing-room; St. John stood before the fire, grave and silent. A slight shade of pain or annoyance passed over his countenance as his eye rested on Ada's toilette. " Was it that kept her in her room so I' I THE admiral's NIECE. 149 long?" he mentally ejaculated; "surely at such a time it is not like her, so to study her dress?" But as she came towards him, and he perceived her death-like cheek, and the heavy drooping eyelids, the half doubt was silenced, and taking both her hands, he said in a low tone : " This a fearful trial, my own Ada." " Too fearful, Herbert," she ar.swered, as the tears again filled the eyes that were for a moment lifted to his face ; " God help us to bear it !" The dinner passed sadly enough, as also the remainder of the evening, at least to three of the party. Kate sat lost in thought, that, if one might judge from her countenance, seemed to afford her much sa- tisfaction, hfiving had the grace not to ^'?ii 150 THE admiral's NIECE. I I 'iiii'iii' 'i !! li 'I '■!■! j interrupt the mournful tSte-a-tSte of Ada and St. John. Edward had chosen not to make one of the party that evening, feeling sure it would not be a merry one. He had not been sorry on hearing that St. John's regiment had received their orders for immediate departure, but he had no wish to be a witness of the unhappiness he knew those orders would cause. "Like women in general," he said to himself, "she will forget him before he has gone a month. * Out of sight out of mind' is always the case with them ; be- sides, even if she should turn out to be constant, the chances of war are in my favour; not that I am wicked enough to wish St. John to fall, but it is ten to one against him." I f-- THE admiral's NIECE, 161 And in high spirits he joined the hirge party assembled in their mess-room. St. John, before leaving the Retreat that night, again urged the Admiral to consent to his immediate union with Ada, but the old man, though moved almost to tears at witnessing their great misery, stood firm. In sorrow too deep for words, St. John said " Good night," hardly daring to hope for another interview with her who wa? dearer than all else on earth to hira. When he had gone, Ada hastily retired and spent the night — how? Lot those who have beca placed in a similar situa- tion answer. God pity all who are called to endure such hours of misery ! > \m V I 152 THE admiral's NIECE. ;i.^i {:;: '1:3 li'll im M liiiir 'lli^l:! !l;:ilJ I Hi! :!:;i Mii'iii:: :3i : .lli CHAPTER XL St. John was roused the next morning from the uneasy slumber he had but re- cently relapsed into by his servant, with the report that the transport in which they were to sail was signaled, and would be in shortly. " Are you quite sure it is she ?" said St. John. " Certain, sir," replied the man, " I've just seen the Major's servant, and he says we're to be off immediately." '•'Hi THE admiral's NIECE. 153 St. John hastily rose, and dressed with a heavy heart; he sat down to breakfast, but it was a mere form, and it was removed untasted. Just then the order book was brought to him, and he found they were to embark that evening, and sail the next morning at daybreak. His preparations for departure occupied several hours; he had written a hurried note to Ada, telling her how soon they were obliged to embark, but saying he was sure of being able to get leave to spend the evening on shore, when, alas ! their farewells must be spoken. A death- like tremor stole over the poor girl's heart as she read. To see St. John but once again, and that, perhaps, for the last time in life, seemed too dreadful. Her father could not endure the sight I HI Mi If) ^^<«Miiii 154 THE admiral's NIECE. l|,l!|H , |';m: lii; of the anguish written on her face; he stole out, and for hours buried himself in the tliick wood. When he returned to the house, he found St. John had arrived, but he ventured not to intrude himself on this, their last sad meeting. He and Kate sat alone at dinner that day. About eleven o'clock St. John hastily entered the library, where Kate and her uncle had retired on leaving the dining- room ; his ftice was pale, almost livid, with the effort of repressing his feelings; and his voice sounded hoarse and unnatural as he pressed the hand of each, and wished them good bye. *' God bless you, my boy !" said the Ad- miral, the tears actually running down his withered cheek. " Keep a stout heart and we shall have a merry meeting yet." I THE admiral's NIECE. 155 "God grant it!" murmured St. John, and waiting for no more, he abruptly left the room, and in another minute the well- known sound of his sleigh bells jingled for the first time discordantly on ears that had listened to them so oft with pleasure; fainter and fainter they sounded in the dis- tance. Ada sat in the drawing-room, where St. John had left her ; the sweet music of those bells now fell on her heart like the knell tolled for the dead, though she eagerly listened till the last faint tone of them faded away. "Gone! Gone," she mur- mured, as she buried her face on the cushions of the sofa, where so lately St. John had sat, and convulsive sobs shook that tender form, as though they would rend it from life J all command over herself was iy \)^ 156 THE admiral's NIECE. il n '■■'il iH ■''I'l; iie^!/ & ji*,!,.;,!: 'lipi: ! I '!■'!' , \u i: il') r' liiiii 111 ', Il'lll i! ii gone, and she was soon in violent hysterics, to the great terror of the Admiral, who, with Kate, just then entered the room to look after her; despite the sal volatile and other restoratives adminstered, the par oxyisras of weeping continued for some time, till nature was exhausted, and weak and weary, the poor girl slept. Ere consciousness again dawned upon her, the " Queen of the South," (for such was the name of the transport) with u fair breeze, was majestically skimming over the cold waves which bore her up triumphantly, as though she held no hearts torn and bleed- ing, that would have recked little at that moment, if those sparkling waters swept over their graves. But time is a great healer, and soon as that ship bore steadily on her course, the tears of love were dried mi THE AD3IIRAL'S NIECE. 157 by the fire of ambition, and there was an eager looking forward to the journey's end. Alas! alas! for the dreams ail un- realized; bitter have been the tears slied over many — ah ! too many — of the inmates of that very ship. Their hopeful manly forms lie still, where no foot of kindred ma 7 tread ; the grass on their graves may not be watered by the tear of alTection; the stranger and the enemy alone pass by, and perchance point to the spot where they re- pose, in cold indifference, or triumphant mirth. Oh ! war ! war ! "What a fearful scourge art thou, desolating hearts and homes with thy destroying breath; crushing out life and light, hope, and joy, in thy relentless fury. Who can number the miseries to be m 158 THE admiral's NIECE ' ■& I ' ' 1; , 11 :irn' ' !:^i i iilli; laid to thy account; the blighted hopes, the broken hearts, the maddened brains, the long life vigils of sighs and tears. Alas ! who can reckon them; they cannot be numbered. Time's restless tide has not yet washed out the marks of thy recent foot-priuLii; they are large and legible on many a once fair garden, on many a tender flower whose lovely petals lie scattered on the earth, whose stalks, all crushed and broken, may never more revive in this world. How recent has been the vigil of the cold moon and silent stars, (alas! the only watchers) over the thousands that thy sanguinary hand has stretched on the battle field ? Oh ! devastating war, when shdl thy sword be turned into a plough- share — thy spear into a pruning hook? ii ii' m'" THE admiral's NIECE. 159 CHAPTER XII. RMpiW '"•^'^llf • ^ "^ -i ■■ il , ''iM \"j ' ■4 •5* Some months had passed since the events recorded in our last chapter; it was a lovely May morning, the snows of winter had vanished, and nature wore the softest tinted emerald robe ; white fleecy clouds were floating in the sky, as though lovingly veiling the rays of the too ardent sun from the tender springing plants ; the rippling waters of the Arm released from the frost king's spell, musically dashed its tiny waves '-1 i. 'f ': I im 160 THE admiral's niece. i iiV- ; Mi *jll h'iili If :;il!iii'l::t upon the shore, stretching up as it were to kiss the young green foliage that here and there dipped in its placid surface. The little boat floated again in its accus- tomed place, with loosened sails, all ready for a start, a man and a boy were settling cushions and shawls in her, ever and anon looking eagerly towards the house, as though expecting some one. " I don't see them coming yet, father," said the boy. " Maybe, after all, master han't been able to persuade Miss Ada to ventur." " Likely enough. Will," replied the man. *' She be very weak yet, they say, though to my mind a little sail on sich a day as this here would do her ever so much good." " She war very fond of the water last ■ tii;';;! ll! ! ■■'Iti ■ill' THE admiral's NIECE. 161 >> summer, father ; do you mind the day that we landed at Navy Island, and then went up along yonder to the head of the Arm, that handsome gentleman along with us? She weer pleased that day, I'm thinking, and the gentleman, too, for neer a one of them seemed to want to go in doors?" "Ah, Will, that there gentleman has summut to do with this terry ble illnoss, I'll be bound. They do say as how he is come home from the wars, and is coorting some other lady in England, but somehow I doan't believe all that. I've seed a sight o' faces in my time, and can tell a bad from a good *un, and he's not a bad 'un, that I'll be sworn; but hold hard, I see them a cominj '6> very like. »> Tenderly supported by her father, with M ill *i', v^i ' . m I »» ■ ! IM . i! ijfi '/!K ''!!'i;ii 'ill' T'lim I If: i: ' it i :1[ M ■':'! '■ 162 THE admiral's NIECE. slow and feeble steps, Ada reached the landing. Was it indeed Ada? Her face was so changed that one well might doubt her identity ; the deathly hue of her ^heek, the sunken eye, encircled by deep dark furrows; the wasted, attenuated form, spoke of recent and severe illness ; and so it was ; for weeks she had been laid upon a bed of sickness, from which at times her agonized father thought she would never rise For a time after St. John had departed she strove to keep up her spirits, and seem cheerful, looking eagerly for the arrival of a letter from him; but mail after mail came in, bringing many a sad account of actions fought, and friends killed or wounded, but still not a line from him, though several times, as she shudderingly THE admiral's NIECE. 163 looked through a paper, she had seen his name honorably mentioned, though as yet he remained unwounded. What could it mean? She had written several times. At first she put it down to some mis- management regarding the letters, some irregularity that in such scenes of blood- shed and confusion could not be helped; but heart and hope sank as packet after packet brought her no tidings. At last the papers announced Captain St. John, for such was now his rank, as having been wounded, and gone home on leave. Ada thanked God that it was no worse as she read and said to herself: " Now that he is in England I shall surely hear by next mail." But, alas ! the next mail, though it told of the arrival of Captain St. John and 11 #1 ■ .:'l' Ml : ■■: 1'. r ■ti ■■}' 1 ' . hi .'I ') I' fl 'I Hrfi: ll'llj ■'ill I ■;ii! I!i|:-! ,1 ^§S. i;':iiil!l| ;|':ilpili!!! il'lli'll"'' iiplillllll "iiPiiH-'l 164 THE A.DMIRAL'S NIECE. others to their native shores, brought not that for which poor Ada's heart was almost breaking. No wonder tha poor girl fell ill. How was she to account for this dett; mined and continual silence? Could ^k. John be false? Could he have so soon forgotten her? Kate's warnings rushed through her disturbed brain, but she thrust them away. *' He cannot so have cast me off," she said to herself. "Something, God knows what! has oc- curred to prevent his writing." But day after day courage, health, and spirits dwindled away, and after weeks of fever and delirium she lay like a broken lily, that another rude breath might snap altogether from its stem. Her first question on regaining con- sciousness had been, "Is there a letter?" THE admiral's NIECE. 105 Kate, who stood by her bedside, shook her head, and from that time no more allusion had been made to the subject, until ono day, after Ada had somewhat recovered, Kate, with a letter in her hand, and an odd look in her face, entered her cousin's room. ''Are you strong enough, dear Ada," she said, " to bear bad news about— about Captain St. John?" " Merciful God !" she replied, wildly springing up, "is he dead^" "No, no," said Kate quickly j "but perhaps to you it may be something more than death — he is married." Ada sunk gently back on her pillow ; she did not faint or weep ; her cheek, if possible, became a shade paler. Presently she said in a calm, steady voice ; It 166 THE admiral's NIECE. W iiij if' H\ ■t. '. li i-'i lllilitlfi " How do you know this?" Kate's only reply was to read the letter she held in her hand, which proved to be from ono of her early friends, with whom she had always kept up a correspondence. It ran thus : — "I have been in the north for some time, and just returned too late for a gay wedding of an old friend of yours, Captain St. John. He has married Emily Warren, a very lovely girl, whom you may remem- ber came with her uncle and aunt, Gene al and Mrs. Sandham, to live at Elmsley shortly before you left Devonshire ; she is a great heiress, and they say old Sir Miles is charmed at the match. I feel quite vexed I should have been away, for grand - mama says there has been such a large party at the Castle, and such merry : iii "1 I ,;.:.i:h -J|i: % TUE admiral's niece. 167 doings. Somehow Sir Miles always ma- nages to make time pass very pleasantly there. Captain St. John's brother, who I have never seen, as he has lived principally abroad, is expected at the Castle next week;" and with loves, &c., the letter ended. Ada made no remark as Kate finished reading; but after a little while she said: " I feel tired, dear, and should like to be left alone to sleep." And Kate, with a puzzled countenance, left the room. My readers must judge how much sleep visited those eyes then, or through the long, dark night that succeeded. m ^■ViU I ilm 168 THE admiral's NIECE. itJii i ,bfi.n I ;-!i. :|i|r.:;:::... f;ii| fiiiii II n|';;''fi:^' , 'Ijl'llj :■ '■ ■"ii'.(i!|ii|i[|j:! CHAPTER XIIL In a small, but pretty cottage, on the out- skirts of a country town not far from Halifax, there dwelt a wido«v, with one only child, a daughter, who was fast ripen- ing into womanhood, having at this period of our story just entered her seventeenth year. Mrs. Somers was the widow of a captain in the army, who, some few years before his death (from failing health), had retired from the service, and had settled in ••4i THE admiral's niece. 169 y\\ H- I ■f, ■ ii tliis oiit-of-the-way place of the world, from motives of economy, as well as to be removed from tlie nnkindncss of Iiis rela- tives, who were for ever taunting him with having made a low marriage (his wife being the daugliter of a poor clergy- man), and in every way striving to heap insult on h.is wife, a gentle, unoffending woman, whom he dearly and truly loved, and for whose sake he willingly exiled himself from his native land. Helen Soraers, their only child, was scarcely ten when her lather died, a fair and lovely child, the idol of his doting heart; since that parent's death, she and her mother had lived in quiet seclusion. Few strangers' feet ever crossed their threshold. Helen had fulfilled the fair promise of her childhood, and grown into a most VOL. I. I Ji «." ■ Mu ■:■ II Jl 170 THE admiral's niece. i ,it ; rt- B.;' i :ii?'::i'"- IH r lovely girl: her soft brown hair curled luxuriantly down the whitest neck in the world ; her large hazel eyes had a thought- ful, half sad expression, when the face was still, but they could light up with the mer- riest look possible. The bright roses of early youth bloomed in her cheek, and dyed richly the pretty pouting mouth ; she was neither tall nor short, but had a figure of bewitching grace, and a foot and hand that might have served fairies for a model. One sumn; Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716)872-4503 f/i > 5 ! ;■• p ^■!^ il :ii 184 THE ADMIBAL'S NIECE. i and the very night vigils less dreary • but, alas! it came not; his heart dared not to account for this protracted silence j but bis friends were not so scrupulous, and it was soon whispered among his brother- officers, that Ada was going to be married to her cousin; indeed, some went so far as to say they actually were married. St. John affected to laugh at these idle tales, as he called them ; but as mail after mail was re- ceived, and though his companions many a time had letters from Halifax, no line came for him; despite himself, doubt of Ada's constancy found a place in his breast, which grew and strengthened. Week after week, and month after month passed, and still for him no letter. One day, after the arrival of a budget of letters and papers, which were eagerly THE admiral's NIECE. 185 seized and devoured by the respective claimants, a brother-officer, and great friend of St. John's, handed him a letter, he had been intently reading, saying in a tone half sad, half triumphant : " There, old fellow, read that, and learn never to put faith in a woman ; a lesson I got by heart many years ago." St. John perused it twice, then handed it back, simply saying, " thank you," and turned upon his heel, quietly taking up a paper, and burying himself behind it, as though lost in its contents. "Well, you're a cooler party then I took you for," muttered his friend, as he also turned away and opened the letter again for another read. We shall take the liberty of peeping over his shoulder. It was from an officer of artillery, at m if ^■'i i;!!iiH» I jila 190 THE admiral's NIECE. ,!!-;: r ;.iiii llMVl '■| . 11 J!';,./'! !ifl comrade fell dead at his side, till, in the attack on the Redan, he received a serious wound in the shoulder, of which, at the time, he took little heed, but fought on till from loss of blood, he fell senseless and ex- hausted, and on awakening to conscious- ness found himself in hospital. The wound was more serious than he imagined, and it was long ere he again was able to move. No doubt his mind re- tarded the recovery of his body ; be that as it may, he was perfectly incapacitated from resuming his duty, and having ob- tained sick leave, started for England, where, as the papers announced, he arrived safely. The first news that greeted him on reaching his home was the intended mar- riage of his younger brother; he was in THE admiral's NIECE. 191 re- that tated ob- and, ived on lar- is in no mood for gay scenes, and least of all for a marriage festivity; he felt he had not sufficient strength of mind yet to wit- ness that ceremony unmoved, and so, de- spite the prayers and entreaties of all concerned, he pleaded his shattered health as being unequal to the smallest fatigue or excitement, and betook himself on a visit to an old maiden aunt who resided in Bath, where he was sure of rest and quiet, and could indulge in his own sad thoughts undisturbed. Here his bodily health gradually im- proved, which circumstance his worthy aunt attributed altogether to her good nursing. The young married pair having returned from a short tour on the continent, were seized with a desire to visit America, and at I :i niJ I I » 1?" ■tr (I MJ.^:- 192 THE admiral's NIECE. see the far famed falls of Niagara. They were particularly anxious that their bro- ther should accompany them, thinking such a complete change would be of benefit to him ; and St. John, though reluctantly, yielded to their wishes, and in a few weeks they left Liverpool in one of the Royal Mail Packets, bound direct for New York, where, for the present, we shall leave them, hoping the winds and waves may treat them well on their journey. mil El'. .iSjil Sii!H Kill, !l Ir ~/i9 'f THE admiral's NIECE. 193 CHAPTER XV. 1 1 m " Here comes the Marquis," said Captain Athol, as he and a party of officers stood looking out of the window in the mess- room at the Artillery Park. " What a ?]>icy turn out," remarked another. " I say, Athol, do you really think he is the Marquis Guadagni?" " Heaven only knows," replied Captain Athol ; " these Italian nobles are sometimes odd looking fish, and it is not easy to VOL. I. E ill 4 .^1 1 \i 194 THE admiral's niece. I ill fill judge from their appearance; this fellow certainly does the thing in style, and all I can say is, if he is not a marquis, he de- serves to be." At this moment the object of these re- marks entered the room, gracefully saluting those assembled there. He was a tall, athletic looking fellow, with that soft olive complexion peculiar to Italians; his eyes were large and intensely dark, but a close observer might notice their quick glances to every part of the room, as though ever in search of something; they were restless, uncomfortable sort of eyes, and had a ser- pent like fascination about them, drawing one to watch them against the will. It seemed as if no thought even could be hid from them, their penetration was so great. For the rest of his face, it was certainly THE admiral's NIECE. 105 handsome; the expression of tlie mouth was hid by a glossy bhick moustucho; whiskers and hair were of the same raven hue; he was dressed in perfectly good taste, no jewelry adorning his person, savo one magnificent brilliant that sparkled on his small and well made hand; ho spoko English fluently, a slight foreign accent alone showing it was not his native tongue. " How well your room looks," he said, addressing Captain Athol. " You, I hear, have had the principal hand in its arrange- ment, and it certainly does you an infinite deal of credit." " Yes, I flatter myself I do these sort of things rather well," replied Athol. " Athol has determined we shall be extra magnificent to-night," said another speaker, K 2 f i \ ■ Hi M m Im- fe 196 THE admiral's NIECE. " They did the thing so well at the th mess the other day, he has no idea of our being cut out by the line." *' Certainly not," said Athol, laughing. " Yes, I think we'll chop them down to- night," he continued, glancing round with satisfaction on the really handsome decora- tions of the room. "No doubt of it," said the Marquis, " nothing could be more perfect; but do you anticipate a full attendance?" " A full attendance ? I should think so," replied Athol. " Why there is not a young lady but who would cry her eyes out if she was prevented from coming to one of our balls. The only fault is, that none of them ever will stay away, and so we are often rather too crowded." *' May I ask if the lovely Miss Hether- THE admiral's MECE. » \ 197 ington and her cousin are to be amidst the throng?" "Certainly, no ball is perfect without them. I say, Marquis, you seem rather smitten in that quarter; not a bad spec either, the old uncle has lots of money, and I hear, has handsomely provided for the charming Kate." " Pooh ! nonsense. I am whole hearted yet; she certainly is a charming girl, but as to money, I assure you that is no object to me. The pittance that her uncle would leave her might serve to buy her shoe- strings were she my wife. Why how much do you suppose now will this great fortune be?" " Some two thousand a year or so," said Athol; ^^not a bad sum for a poor man; though, as you say, but sufBicient for your M ".i- m ■■•y I; ■M\i\ 1; : :'l m -■■*'•- m Ifp' ' ' » ' ' ' ;' ; 1 1 e; I ■'I 1 ) ' ''';■! 1 ' '\ 198 THE admiral's NIECE. wife to buy shoe-strings with. I humbly trust the future Mrs. Athol will dispense with such an expensive item of dress." The Marquis laughed, and managed to turn the conversation on other topics, and presently took himself off, many an envious eye following his handsome turn out. "Well," said Captain Athol, "if he thinks two or three thousand a year an item not worth mentioning, I wonder what his income really is? I have strong doubts about that fellow, despite the magnificent style in which he lives ; however, as long as he does live in that magnificent style, I shall put my doubts in my pocket. What a splendid feed he gave us last night. I wonder where he got his cook ?" " Brought him with him, to be sure, from his palace, in Italy," said Dr. Forbes, a '!j THE admiral's NIECE. 199 steady matter-of-fact old Scotchman; "but for my part, I don't think the cooking such great things after all, the victuals were so disguised that the deuce r bit could I tell what I was eating; give me plain beef or mutton in preference to these kickshaw dishes." " You're right, doctor," said another old fogie. "Who knows but what we have been eating frogs, and such like nastiness?" " The Lord forbid," said the doctor, with such a serious air that a shout of laughter was elicited. Frogs or no frogs," said Athol, " I hope (( >» he will soon repeat the dose. " Every one to his taste," replied the doctor, "for my part I'm thinking he'll not catch my legs under his mahogany i ■ '"m again It Mi: > ! '' ' k II 200 THE admiral's NIECE. Night succeeded day, and brilliant and bright looked the said mess-room, with all its gay trappings : flags, and banners, that perchance had waved over morie than one battle-field, now waved as lightly over the fair throng fast assembling, as though there were no such things as bloodshed and battle field. Stars, made of bayonets, gleamed and sparkled on the walls, and the sweet breath of flowers floated all around; the hum of mirthful voices mingling with sweet strains of music stole forth through open casements upon the night air. Who, that looked upon the scene, could imagine aught of grief or woe, or could dream that beneath the fair outer garb of mirth perchance lay a heart breaking with its load of misery. We know not how many amidst that gay throng, decked with a smile the lip that THE admiral's niece. 201 'Ifil fain would have quivered with emotion ; or how many eyes gleamed brightly that could have wept bitter scalding tears ; but there was one at least, whose smile was hollow ; hollow as the heart of him who leant over her with such apparent tenderness. Listen to his voice soft and low, its very tone seemingly free from guile. " Nay, dear Ada, do not regret coming to-night," he softly whispers in reply to something she has said, " you are looking better for the exertion already, and w'thout you it would have been dull work for me. Everything is dull to me without you." " Hush, Edward," she interrupted, " why will you always talk to me in this strain ? It grieves and annoys me ; do pray go and join the dancers ; I do not wish you to re- main so constantly at my side." K 5 .: \ I 1 !■' 202 THE ADMIRAL^S NIECE. " Then you will not dance this dance with me," he replied in a mournful tone. " Certainly not," said Ada, " I have already danced twice with you this even- ing, which is as often as I ever do with the same person ; and as I have told you before, I will not break through my rule even for a cousin." " Cruel girl," he muttered as he turned away, a vexed and annoyed expression usurping the place of the bland as he sought the hand of some other partner. Just then Lord and Lady D. entered the room. " What not dancing, Ada !" they both exclaimed, coming up to where she was sitting by a friend who had chaperoned her and Kate that evening, (the Admiral not THE admiral's NI£C£. 203 feeling well, was disinclined to venture out). " I have been dancing a good deal for me," she replied, smiling sadly, "Lid feel worn out and tired, so I prefer sitting still ; but how late you are to-night," she con- tinued, " how is that?" " Why to tell you the truth, it is, I fear, all my fault," said Lord D. " I went to dine with the General alone, having a little private business that we wanted to discuss, and I promised to come away and bring Emmy here at ten, but somehow the time flew past without either of us noticing it, till I was horrified at hearing the clock strike eleven ; however, you know Emmy is a good little wife, and did not pout and say she would not come at all ; but do you know on our way here, we heard two guns, :' 1- wiim^ 1^ 204 THE admiral's NIECE. I I i ■ apparently from a steamer coming in. I wonder what it can be ; I must go and en- quire." And placing Lady D. on a seat by Ada, his lordship hurried off. ! ml I THE admiral's NIECE. 205 CHAPTER XVI. We left St. John on the point of starting with his bother and sister-in-law for New York. The first half of the journey was pleasant enough, the weather being delight- ful; the young bride was an excellent sailor^ as was also her husband and St. John, and the trio spent most of their time on deck; St. John each day seeming to gain strength, becoming also a little more cheerful in spirit. i-l mi mil M 206 THE admiral's NIECE. His brother's wife, who, as yet had never known a care, tried to win him from his sad thoughts, and even went so fur as to joke with him one day on the subject of his inconstant love; but he stopped her at once, saying gravely : " Emily, never speak to me lightly on this subject, it is one that has wounded me too deeply. Think how different were my feelings when last I crossed the Atlantic. High hopes of future honor, dreams of fu- - ture bliss, filled my heart with ecstacy; alas I how have those visions faded into empty nothingness. Emily, you have no knowledge of what my heart feels; God forbid you ever should ! " And with a deep-drawn sigh he turned from her and leant over the vessel's side. Emily's eyes filled with tears, tears of '11 THE admiral's NIECE. 207 pity for him, and annoyance at her own thoughtlessness in having so touched on a theme, that to St. John yet required such tender handling; going up to him, she said : " Forgive me, dear Herbert, I meant but to try and make you more cheerful and spoke without thought." He wrung the little hand held out him, saying kindly : " Indeed, I know you did it for the best; but, Emily, I am very silly on that subject yet, and you must not allude to it in the way you did just now." She promised to be more careful for the future and the conversation turned on other subjects. The weather which had been fine up to that morning now showed symptoms of a -»' 1 ' 'f] \it\i I I 208 TnE admiral's niece. change, though the sun still shone, sudden gusts of wind seemed to rush upon the ship, bhistering loudly for a few minutes, and then sighing mournfully away through the rigging. The captain, who had been walking up and down the deck, gn.ily con- versing with a party of American ladies, stopped and eagerly gcanned the horizon. "No storm coming, I hope. Captain," said one of iiie ladies. He looked grave as he turned to reply. " Aye, I fear we shall have a nasty night J but there is no danger," he added, seeing the ladies looked startled ; " our ship is strong and tough, and has wea- thered many a worse nigh thin T thin^- this will be." And he hurried off, as he said, to pre- pare to receive the enemy, while the THE admiral's yiECE. 20 d >» ladies dispersed, nervousi^ huri) ing below. The Captain's worst fear? were realized; scarcely two hours after sunset it wai blowing a perfect hurricane, bi t still gal- lantly the ship rode on the raorntainous waves that seemed striving so uully to engulf her, though every timber groaned as if in mortal agony; there wc-n wild shrieks, and hoarse wailings among t tho rigging, as though spirits of the air imd of the deep had gathered there to how for their prey. Truly it was a fearful night, and many a knee that had never sought the Throne of Grace since the tender years of infancy, now bent in eager and carnust supplication; many a reckless heart thrilled wildly with the fear of sudden death. But this time the gallant ship was not r i| Ml ,1 wmf. i f il *■ . ■"■) ■ $\\ y^-' • J, it 1 210 THE admiral's NIECE. doomed to destruction and wreck ; though the storm continued with but little abate- ment through the next day and night, and she was driven many miles out of her course, still she came forth as a con- queror. Again the passengers clustered in merry groups on the deck. The sun beams danced and sparkled again on the waters, that had subsided into tiny wavelets, rip- pling with a gentle music against the ship's sides, as though glad of her recent escape from their fierce wrath. '* Treacherous things," said Emily, who, with her husband and St. John, stood look- ing over the side, " your smiles are not to be trusted." "Like a woman's," said St. John bit- terly. THE APMIRAL'S NIECE. 211 " Nay, Herbert, you are severe on us. What say you, Arthur," turning to her husband, " ai-e my smiles to be trusted?" *' Not a bit of it," he replied, drawing her fondly to him, his eyes all the time be- lieing his words. "Take care, sir impudence, or I shall never smile on you again, and as for you, Herbert, I don't know what punish- ment you deserve for such a rude speech." But St. John apparently heard her not; he was gazing moodily on the sea ; Emily wisely did not interrupt him, but taking her husband's arm, they walked rapidly up and down the deck, taking, as she laughingly said, their constitutional before dinner. "I thought we should have been in 'i I \ ■ HV: 212 THE admiral's NIECE. New York by this time," said her husband, " but the Captain has just told rae that his coals are getting low, and he fears he shall have to put into Halifax to replenish ; that horrid storm carried us so far out of our way." *' Good gracious !" said Emily, " does Herbert know this? What does he say to going there?" "I do not think he knows it yetj the Captain thinks we shall not get in there till the middle of to-morrow night, and as we shall only have to stay a few hours it will not much signify." " Oh, dear, I am sorry it will be in the night; I so long to see the girl who has still such power over Herbert's heart," ** Woman's curiosity," gaily replied her husband ; " I would not give a straw to THE admiral's NIECE. 213 'ill ] see her," he added more gravely ; *' she must have a bad heart to treat such a fellow as Herbert in the cruel way she has done. For his sake I regret we shall have to put into Halifax; the very knowledge of being so near this false Ada will, I fear, re-open afresh the wounds that I had hoped were healing." "I trust not," said Emily. But at this moment St. John joined them. "What are you so earnestly hoping about, Emily?" he said. She blushed slightly as she answered : " Oh, something Arthur and I were talking about." " That is as much as to say," he replied smiling, " something that is no business of yours." ku •ti ■* lit It ti :'|i \\ ' ■ i ir 214 THE admiral's NIECE. " Nay," said Arthur gravely, " I fear it is business of yours ; something the Captain told me a little while ago, and she was hoping it would not distress you." "What is it?" said St. John. "Why, he thinks as his coals are very low, nearly out, we shall have to put into Halifax to replenish." " To Halifax !" echoed St. John, turning very pale " anywhere rather than there." " My dear fellow," said Arthur, " we shall be there a very few hours, and that, too, in the middle of the night, so do not distress yourself." But St. John from that moment became restless and uncomfortable at times; he shrank from going anywhere in Ada's vicinity, and then again his heart yearned with an intense longing once more to look III ' I: il .' >» THE admiral's NIECE. 215 upon that face; every pulse throbbed wildly in his breast the next night, as, sooner than the Captain anticipated, the good ship made her way up Halifax Har- bour. As they swiftly glided by each well known landmark, recollections of the past rushed painfully through his breast, and burying his head in his hands, he fairly groaned aloud. Emily and her husband stood near, neither of them venturing to interrupt ; at last they reached the wharf, the noise and- commotion occasioned by which effectually roused him, and rising he said : ** We had better go into the saloon, uo doubt many of my old friends will come on board; I remember there was always a rush amongst us on the arrival of any steamer, to hear the news." I v:!l 'n ''m. i In:;' P^ 1 1 n 1 1 1 r i^ n :l 216 THE admiral's NIECE, Emily and Arthur willingly consented, glad to see him so calm and composed. He had judged rightly, they had hardly seated themselves in the saloon when a gay party of officers entered, among whom was Captain Athol. " St. John !" he exclaimed, " good hea- vens, is it possible? I can scarcely credit my eyes, where are you off to, old fellow ? " " To visit Niagara, with my brother and his wife; let me introduce you to them." Having performed that ceremony, St. John enquired why Athol and those that accompanied him were in full dress. " Why, my dear fellow," he replied, " we have a ball at our place to night, but we could not resist stealing away for a few minutes, on hearing the report that a THE admiral's NIECE. 217 steamer had just come in. By the way, the Captain informed me he should be here for some hours, suppose you just slip on ano- ther rig and come back wit"h me, perhaps your brother and his wife will honor us with their company also; my carriage is here, and I shall only be too happy if you will make use of it; come, old fellow, every- body is there, all your old friends, won't they be astonished to see you ! " St. John hesitated a moment, but his yearning to see that loved face once again, overcame every other feeling; turning to his brother, he said : "Will you and Emily come, Arthur? I think Emily will like it, it will be a pleasant break to this long journey. What say you?" Emily's eyes danced gaily at the prospect. VOLL. I. L ! li M lis' ■liiil SI ,. -f- \ 'mm im m '■"' 1;;: ''mi i' 1 ; . 1 i • ' ■ I: 218 THE admiral's NIECE. " Oh, yes, Arthur, do let us go." *' No ball for me to-night, thank you," he answered, " but I don't see anything to prevent your going with Herbert; so run away, and get ready, you shall have ten minutes to dress in." *' I shall do the best I can in that time," she replied, as she hurried off to her state room. In little over the given ten minutes, she re-appeared, looking very lovely, dressed most simply yet becomingly in white; on seeing her her husband looked half-regret- ful that he had declined going ; however, it was too late now to change his mind, so wrapping her carefully up, he placed her in the carriage, saying: "Do not stay more than an hour, for fear we might start." TUE admiral's niece. 219 »» I) She promised they would not, and the carriage drove off. How St. John's heart beat as they reached the entrance of the well known barracks; in another moment he should be ii Ada's presence; he felt she was there, though he had not dared to ask the ques- tion of Captain Athol Ada was still sitting by Lady D. ; a quadrille had just been formed, and an officer of the engineers with his partner stood before her; presently she heard him say: " Do you know I have just been down on board the New York steamer, and saw such a lovely woman there, a Mrs. St. John ; the steamer has to remain some hours to coal, and Athol was trying to persuade her and her husband, to come here for an hour or L 2 '4\ ' .11.1 ii 4* I.I ■rJL 'i It ¥ v f ;i- ' 1 r I ! 1 if] i I Iflij: 'it !■ 220 THE admiral's NIECE. SO, I do hope they'll come ; by Jove, there they are!" Ada started and stood up, could she believe her eyes? Yes, there was St. John with his wife leaning on his arm. Poor Ada, a sudden giddiness seized her and she sank upon her seat, a deathlike hue sj)reading over her fa yj ; well for her that Lady D. sat by her side, and that the crowd in front at the moment shielded her from observation ; but her faint was of only momentary duration; the blood quickly came back to lip and cheek, and a bright, indignant fire lighted her usually soft eye. Lady D. looked upon her with astonish- ment; she also had seen St. John, and had expected a scene. THE admiral's NIECE. 221 " Brave girl," she whispered, " he was not worthy of your love." Just then Kate hurried up. "Do you know who is here ?" she said. "St. John and his wife; for heaven's sake, Ada, call up all your pride to your assist- ance, and don't let him fancy you are breaking your heart about him." " You need have no fear on my account, Kate," answered Ada, calmly and haugh- tily 5 "Captain St. John and his wife are the same as any other strangers to me, their coming and going is a matter of per- fect indiflference." Kate at that moment was claimed for the dance by the Marquis Guadagni ; she was so lost in amazement at Ada's calm tone, and haughty expression that she replied absently to her partner's repeated ques- '''•} ilsi ii M' : >• ^il f'. 4 I 222 THE admiral's NIECE. \t , II '1i' ■•* ' ' ', tion of what she thought of the new arri- val. Edward had taken Kate's place by Ada's side, and she began talking eagerly to him. As the crowd opened, St. John saw her and Edward bending over her. His cheek paled at the sight, and for a moment he shook so that Emily looked up to see what was the matter; but his pride was also roused, and with a flashing eye he said: " Come, Emily, I will show you the fairest and falsest girl under heaven." And placing her hand within his arm he walked deliberately to the part of the room where Ada and her cousin were seated. Ada felt they were coming, and her THE admiral's niece. 223 voice for a moment shook; but ftguin pride came to her assistance, and as St. Jolm passed he heard her laugh gaily ; he half paused, and looked full in her face; she lifted her eyes to his for a moment, as if they had been utter strangers, and never met before, and then indiflferently turned them away, and continued her apparently interesting conversation. St. John needed no more to convince him of her utter worthlessness ; he hurried from the room on board, heart-sick and weary, and delivering Emily to the care of her hus- band, he shut himself up in his own state- room, and in bitter sorrow mourned over his shattered idol. The steamer was soon under weigh again, but he knew it not; every sense but the sense of utter misery was deadened. I, ,4 i 224 THE admiral's NIECE. 1 1 I E> ■ v li < 'Hi Could he have looked into Ada's room as the soft dawn was breaking, how would his feelings have altered — could he have seen her, no trace of pride, no trace of life scarcely in her lovely face as she lay on the floor, where she had lain for hours, the traces of heavy tears on her pallid cheeks. Ah ! could he have seen her then, he had not mourned so bitterly over his broken idol. THE admiral's NIECE. 225 CHAPTER XVII. Admiral Rainsworth sat in his library, apparently in deep thought; there was a stern expression on his usually placid face, and a glance of indignation shot from his still bright eye, as he referred again to a letter that lay before him. "Scoundrel," he muttered to himself. ** A pretty reward truly, for all the kind- ness I have shown himj but I'll tell him L 5 m m I , 1 1 ; I 226 THE admiral's NIECE. i i^ another tale now. I'll alter ray will this very day. He will find that his old uncle is not such a fool as he took him for;" and the old man rose and rang the bell violently. " Tell Cox," he said, as a servant entered, " that I wish him to ride into the town at once, and tell Mr. Johnstone, that I wish to see him. Stay, I had better write a note," and hastily scribbling a few lines, he gave it to the man, bidding him to tell Cox to be sure and wait for an answer. The letter which had so disturbed the good Admiral, was from Mrs. Somers, and ran thus : — " Sir, — I consider it my painful duty to in- form you of facts, with which, I believe, you at present to be wholly unacquainted. In the beginning of last summer, your nephew's carriage was overturned, and he and his THE admiral's NIECE. 227 servant thrown out directly in front of my cottage; Mr. Hetherington, though not seriously hurt, was much bruised and shaken, and the surgeon whom I sent for immedi- ately, considering a few days' rest requisite for him before proceeding on his journey, I willingly begged him to become my guest for that time. I am a widow, with only one daughter, the sole tie to life that I possess. I do not here speak of her beauty, of her guileless and unsuspecting nature; suffice it that your nephew strove, and not in vain, to win her love; from the date of his accident, scarcely a month passed with- out our seeing him; and I, with stupid blindness, perceived not the object of these frequent visits, till toe late — till my poor Helen had learnt to love him with all the intensity of a first love — a love that makes 'tit- 4Ml [it- idji 't r ^ 228 THE admiral's niece. lit ■'i i i ^; I m its object an idol to be blindly worshipped. Immediately that my eyes were opened to ■what was going on, I spoke to your nephew, wlien he confessed that he entertained a deep love for my child ; but that, at present his circumstances would not allow him to marry, but hoped to do so at some future time. I wished then to write to you on the subject, but he implored me, for the sake of his own, as well as Helen's happiness, to remain silent for the present, as you had set your heart on his marrying his cousin, your daughter ; and that your fury would be so great, that you not only would refuse your consent J but very probably discard him altogether from your favour ; he would break it to you, he said, by degrees. There was a something in his manner then and tfterwards, that raised doubts of his sin- ii; i; THE admiral's NIECE. 229 cerity in my mind; and I determined to find out if I could, how far his statements were correct; and for this purpose, leading my daughter with my good friends, Dr. Grant and his wife, in Windsor, I proceeded to Halifax; there I soon found out the truth; that, at the very time Mr. Hetherington first sought to win my daughter's affections, his cousin was, with your free consent, en- gaged to another gentleman; therefore I knew he must have uttered a falsehood when he said it had always been your wish and intention that she should marry him. This, alas! was not the only falsehood I found he had told me. I wrote, begging him to call upon me at once; he did so, and •when he found how much I really knew, he coolly and impertinently said, * You did not think I was really going to be so green as \ 'iltiii 230 THE admiral's NIECE. ,<-'.■ I 'i'A (' Ji:5 to marry a girl without a sixpence. Miss Somers is a pleasant little thing to know, but I must fly at a higher game for a mate for life.' I replied, my daughter would scorn to become the wife of one who had acted so dishonorably ; and who, whatever his position in society, had no title to the name of gentleman; and, begging never to see his face again, I bade him good- morning. That afternoon, I returned home. I need not describe my daughter's feelings when I imparted to her the true object of my journey, and its result; but love is not expelled at will, and thoTigh her pure nature would shrink with loathing from being chained for life to a man capable of such conduct, still the memory of what he was, or rather seemed to be, clings to her, and though she strives to be the same, I : n THE ADMIRAL'8 NIECE. 231 can see that my poor child's heart is break- ing. Oh ! Admiral Rainsworth, you have an only child ; how could you bear to see her wasting away, day by day growing paler and paler. I tell you my child is dying; I feel it, I know it; and your nephew is her murderer ; this is strong language, but it is truth. " Helen Somers. " Briar Cottage, near Windsor." The Admiral continued to pace the room muttering to himself, until the arrival of Mr. Johnstone, with whom he remained closeted for some hours — when the worthy lawyer had departed, Ada was summoned by her father, and Mrs. Somers' letter placed in her hands, the Admiral saying bitterly : *ll ».' ' ' i « .1 iti iti 232 THE admiral's NIECE. " The' 3, ray child, learn to know the viper we have been cherishing at our hearth." Ada grew pale as she read, till the allu- sion to herself brought the color to her cheek, and a bright indignant flash to her eye, but all thought of self was stilled as she finished the epistle, and tears of pity for Helen Somers flowed freely. " I will go to her papa," she said, as she returned him the letter. "This is too horrible ; who would have believed Edward capable of such conduct? Shame on him! What do you mean to do, papa?" "Mean to do? Why discard him, of course. Do you suppose I would ever let such a blackguard as that put his foot over my threshold again. Thank Heaven, my poor sister did not live to see this day. THE admiral's NIECE. 233 ' (' ' ': n ;. I' This time twelvemonth she died, and I, like a fool, grieved over her loss. To-day, I thank God, she is not alive." " But Kate, papa? This will be a dreadful blow to her; you will not forbid his coming occasionally to see her?" " Allow him to come here ! not if he were fifty times my nephew and Kate's brother. Why should I consider Kate's feelings ? She does not seem to pay much respect to mine lately. Why does she still keep that man dangling after her? I have told her pretty plainly my opinion of him. He's iust about as much an Italian is written on Marqui imposte his face. What the deuce has got into the girl that she should be so blind, 1 can't conceive it u Oh ! papa, you may be in the wrong ' 1 i ■' f m I' .«!: kit « I'l 'ii I "'I: i I t m , UA 284 THE admiral's NIECE. about him. Though I dislike the Marquis, he seems to me a gentleman, and I believe Kate is really fond of him." "Fond of him! — stuff and nonsense; but you women are all alike ; any wander- ing vagabond has only to come and make himself eccentric and odd, when you all fall down and worship him, and believe he is some prince in disguise." " I hope we are not quite so bad as that, papa." And the ghost of Ada's once bright smile flitted over her pale cheek; the next moment it was gone, and she was earnestly soliciting her papa's consent to go and see Helen Somers. *' But, my darling, you cannot go ahne, and I have business that prevents my leaving town at present." THE admiral's NIECE. 235 I " Oh, papa, don't you remember Lord and Lady D. saying they intended going to Windsor some day this week. They mean to stay there ten days, so I could go and come back with them. I am sure I know where Briar Cottage is. Do you recollect the last time we went to Windsor, noticing just before we got to the town, a very pretty cottage ? I feel sure that is it, and it is all in the way ; so Lord ar '. Lady D. could just drop me there, and call for me on their way back. Pray let me go, papa." " Well, my darling, if it is as you say, tMs will be a very good opportunity for you to go and comfort that poor girl ; but we may as well drive to Government House and settle the matter; I will then reply to this sad letter, and tell Mrs. Somers you ii .V 236 THE admiral's niece. are coming.'' And the Admiral rang the bell to order the carriage, while Ada left the room to prepare for the drive. The good Governor and his wife were shocked and indignant on hearing the tale of Edward's perfidious conduct, and only too gladly consented to take charge of Ada on such an errand of mercy. " We are going to start the day after to- morrow, and very early in the morning," said Lord D., " almost too early for you to rise, my poor little Ada, with that pale face of yours." " Nay, my Lord, I like early rising, and I assure you I am now quite strong and well." He shook his head as he looked at her, but said nothing more. " Ada dear, you had better dine and sleep here to-morrow," said Lady D., THE admiral's NIECE. 237 It "aD(l that will not hurry you up so early." This was agreed upon, and the Admiral and his daughter took their leave. On their way home tlie old man fixed his eyes anxiously on Ada's face. "Lord D. is right; you are very pale, my darling. Are you still pining for that scou ?" "Oh, hush, papa!" she quickly inter- rupted. "I assure you there in nothing te matter with me. I only want tt little change of air. You will see with what rosy cheeks I shall return to you." "God grant it!" murmured her father, as he handed her out of the carriage at their own door. 4 M mi 238 THE admiral's NIECE. 1. CHAPTER XVIII. Ada slept the next night as promised at Government House, and the following morning with her kind friends started for Windsor. Their road for the most part lay through the forest; how calm and peaceful it seemed; the day was warm and sunny, and Ada longed to ramble amidst the stately trees, and repose in the shady nooks made by their dense foliage. The lovely wild flowers, for which Nova Scotia il :'■ F.l THE admiral's NIECE. 239 is so famous, on all sides grew in such profusion that Ada once or twice could not resist having the carriage stopped while she got out and gathered some. One one of these occasions, just as she returned with her parasol, which she had converted into a basket, overflowing with the sweet wild things, she heard Lord D. say, " I think it would be better to tell her, Emmy;" then, as he handed her into he carriage he declared he could not do any longer without a cigar, and lighting one, he clambered upon the box. Despite himself, there was a little con- sciousness in his manner, and Ada, looking earnestly in Lady D.'s face, said ner- vously : " What is it? Has anything happened? Oh, tell me." i I •M r Im iHj ' ^1 )^HH }j i'iaH^ «i ■'■■' 1 IB 1 i 'H' ' t »? i ! V i" I 240 THE admiral's NIECE. " Nay, dear," said Lady D., kindly en- circling Ada's waist with her arm, " only a little piece of news that I heard yester- day; but really you have become such a nervous little thing, that I am half afiaid to tell it to you." " Oh, now that I see you smile, I am not afraid, so you may tell me what this news is." "Well, as you are again looking like yourself, I will. Have you ever had rea- son to suppose that Mr. St. John was not married?" "Not married!" said Ada, the bright colour rushing to her cheek at the mention of St. John's name, " why, I saw his wife with my own eyes." " Yes, but eyes are deceitful sometimes," said Lady D. " What should you say if I V Km THE admiral's NIECE. 241 < ■ fi told you that was not his wife, but his brother's?" •'Impossible." " But it is possible, dear." And Lady D. explained the whole cir- cumstance. Ada burst into tears. "Oh, what must he have thought of me?" she murmured. "Do not blame yourself, dear Ada; though Captain St. John is not married, remember how badly he has behaved. You could not have received him in any other way after such conduct; I wonder he could have the impertinence to show himself in your presence." "You are right. Lady D.; I had for- gotten," said Ada sadly; "but tell me how you found out all this." I Ml VOL. I. M a, I 242 THE admiral's KIECE. '* Simply in talking to Captain Athol; lie was amongst those who went on board the New York steamer on the night of their ball, and there Captain St. John in- troduced him to his brother, who, with his young wife, was making a wedding tour to Niagara. Captain Athol thought St. John looking very ill, but it seems he has only just recovered from a severe wound received in the Crimea, and the visit to Niagara on his part was merely for change of air. Captain Athol was much asto- nished at our not knowing all this, as he said he had explained it all to Kate on the very night in question." " Explained it to Kate !" said Ada, "how cruel of her not to tell me; but," she added with a deep sigh, " I daresay she did it all for the best." THE admiral's NIECE. 243 I " Perhaps so, dear Ada ; but had I been in her place I should have certainly told you the truth ; but we will let the matter drop now, and tell me all you know of this poor girl, Helen Somers." " I know nothing beyond that letter," replied Ada ; " Edward has never men- tioned her name; he certainly told us he had been upset, and taken into a cottage by some people who were very kind to him, but never led us to suppose they were anything but poor cottagers. Who could have believed him to be so heartless? His conduct distresses me more than I can tell." " It is very shocking ; I can only hope the mother's fears may have exaggerated the case, and that the unfortunate girl may not feel it so very deeply." M 2 ''ll 244 THE admiral's NIECE. *' I am afraid not, Lady D. ; I seem to have a presentiment of what Helen is like ; one whose affections once given must be given for ever. There can be no change where once you love truly j do you think so ?" " All very young ladies hold that opinion, Ada; but I have known many who, finding the first love prove false, have transferred their affections to another, mar- rying and living happily, and, moreover, occasionally blessing Providence that the first love did not turn out well. Don't look so grave about it, Ada," continued Lady D. laughing, "I fully expect to hear you some day echoing the same senti- ments." " Never ;" and poor Ada's lip quivered with emotion ; " the bl(5w has been too deeply struck, you little know how deeply. THE admiral's NIECE. 245 lii' I Pray don't joke upon the subject, Lady D. ; indeed, indeed, I cannot bear it." And the big tears rolled slowly down her pale cheek. "Nay, dear child, forgive my stupid jesting. Heaven knows how sincerely I feel for you ; would for your own sake your nature was less true; that you could cease to love one who has proved so unworthy. But cheer up ; we are not far from Wind- sor now, and Mrs. Somers' cottage must be near; I think I see it peeping among the trees there. Is it not so?" "Yes, that is what I suppose to be Briar Cottage; in fact, so certain am I that it is so that I should not mind your putting me down here and leaving me to my fate." '* Well, I should hardly like to do that, 1 1 246 THE admiral's NIECE. it would be rather awkward, should you be mistaken ; why that cottage, as far as you know, may belong to some gay young "bachelor; only fancy his astonishment at finding you and your boxes waiting for ad- mission, with no visible mode of convey- ance near ; he would mistake you for some wood nymph or spirit of the air. No, no, I will make sure before I drop you in these lonely wilds." Just then the carriage came to a halt. " I suppose this is your resting place, Ada," said Lord D., as he descended from the box, " this little green path leads to the house; it is not wide enough for the carriage, but Emmy and I can walk up with you, and if we find it is really Briar Cottage, Thompson can carry up your traps." THE admiral's NIECE. 247 And he assisted them to alight. The distance to the house was short, and they very soon reached a wicket gate, opening into a tiny, but exquisitely pretty flower garden. The cottage itself was ex- ceedingly pretty, almost covered with roses and Virginian cisepers. " What a hijou of a place," whispered Lord D. to Ada, " 1 should not mind shar- ing your visit." By this time they had reached the en- trance, and stood in a rustic porch, whose trellis work was interwoven with sweet briar, filling the air all around with its sweet perfume. Lord D. directed Ada's at- tention to it. "No doubt of the place now," he said, " this sweet briar tells a tale ; but must I disturb this sweet serenity by knocking? I it 248 THE ALMIRAL'S NIECE. i The open door looks as if one might enter unannounced." At this moment, just as Lord D. lifted the knocker, Mrs. Somers herself appeared. " This is Miss Rainsworth, T suppose," she said, going up to Ada, " how kind of you to come to us like this ; Helen has been feverish and restless for your coming all day; I received your father's letter an- nouncing your kind intention only this morning, but pray come in." Ada introduced her friends. " Now that we have delivered Miss Rainsworth into your care, we must say good by, and pray take good care of her, Mrs. Somers," said I^ady D. ; " though she won't acknowledge it, I assure you she is far from strong." Mrs. Somers promised to be a mother to I i THE admiral's NIECE. 249 »> her, and declining all refreshment, as the day was fast drawing to a close, Ada's kind friends departed, promising to write her a line and say what day they should return to town, so that she might be quite ready to accompany them. M 5 »: " 250 THE admiral's NIECE. CHAPTER XIX. (li On the morning of Ada's departure for Windsor, Edward Hetherington sat before an untasted breakfast with a look of deep gloom and annoyance on his face, a letter from his uncle lay on the table before him, a letter in which the Admiral had spoken his mind pretty freely, upbraiding his nephew in no mild terms for his duplicity, his dishonourable and heartless conduct, it concluded with these words : TU£ ADMIUAL'8 NIECE. 251 I " I had provided for you most liberally ; but since reading Mrs. Soiuers'H letter, I have altered my will, and have not left you one penny. Blame y- ursclf for this, you have worked out your own fortune. I need hardly say, I never wis;- to 8^:^ you again cross my threshold." " Hang the whole affair," ;.^nttured Ed ward, " what's to be done now ? That was an unlucky upset of mine, and the worst of it is I love the girl after all ; what a fool I have been, how was I to know the old buffer had so handsomely provided for mo? I thought all his fortune would have gone to Ada; those cursed u^bts, if it hud not been for them I should not have thought of Ada's money. What is she, in comparison with my Helen? My Helen, indeed, a nice opinion she must have of me ) I warrant '^, i I -, ^ 252 THE admiral's NIECE. her mother has shown me up to her pretty strongly, and serve me right; I didn't de- serve such a creature, I suppose she wouldn't look at me now. "What an ass I have been." And Edward pushed back his chair im- patiently, disturbing by the act, a fine New- foundland dog, that was peacefully repos- ing at his side. The chair by accident struck against the dog, and sent him howling to the other end of the room. " Serve you right for getting in the way," growled Edward. A minute afterwards the faithful beast was licking his master's hand and looking up inquiringly in his face, as though to see whether he might venture on further free- doms. THE ADMTRAL^S NIECE. 253 Edward, who was again in deep thought, almost unconsciously let his hand fall on the dog's head, and abstractedly stroked his glossy coat, whereupon the animal, as though to show his gratitude, jumped up rapturously and licked his surly master's face, as much as to say, " There, it's all right again, donlt be cross any more." Edward seemed pleased by the dog's caresses. "Faithful old Nova!" he said; "you love me still — good dog." At this moment, though no sound of footsteps was heard. Nova pricked up his ears, and made a spring towards the door, and as a decided quick tap sounded on the panel, he uttered a deep growl. " Down ! quiet, Nova. Come in," was uttered in no very sweet voice, for Edward liH 254 THE admiral's NIECE. '} ' was in no mood to see visitors, *' Oh, it is you," as the door opened, and a powerful athletic looking Indian entered the room. He wore the dress common to the remnant of the Mic Mac tribe (the only remaining Indians now left in Nova Scotia) ; it was half Indian, half civilized; a sort of tunic made of cloth, reached a little below the knee, bound tightly round the waist with a belt of wampum ; the shoulders and cuffs slightly embroidered with red cloth and various coloured beads; his legs were en- cased in cloth leggings, fitting tight, also embroidered on the outer seam; on his feet were mocassins made of undressed moose skin ; round his shoulders a blanket was loosely thrown, which, if the truth must be spoken, was not quite so white as it might have been ; his long jet black hair THE admiral's NJECE. 255 i.i was gathered behind into a club, and bound with a bright scarlet ribbon; this was crowned by a beaver hat, with a ribbon of the same colour tied round it; about his neck were hung numerous strings of beads, with quaint looking ornaments attached, and in his belt was stuck a keen- edged tomahawk; his complexion was of a reddish copper coloured hue, with high cheek bones, and small black piercing eyes ; he was probably about fifty years of age ; he did not remove his hat, or make any other obeisance as he entered the room, but going up to Edward said, in his broken English : "How you do. Captain; you go find moose this day?" " I have not got my leave yet, John (for so was the Indian called by the offi- a suuaia aw n ii i j.v.-i.ji! 256 THE admiral's NIECE. |i J J cerr whom he frequently accompanied out hunting), but it will be here in a minute. Ah, here it is," as an orderly entered and handed him a letter. " I have got a fort- night this time, John, but I don't care for moose stalking, it is tiring work. I shall just shoot whatever comes in my way. I like the fun of living in the woods. I would we could come across a bear; I hear several have been troubling the farmers lately." " May be we find one," replied the Indian. " Two three days ago one fine black fellow come close to my wigwam ; he much hungry I 'spose, this cut him skull wide," and he pointed to the tomahawk; " bring him skin in this day for sell him." "Well, I hope we maj; come across another," said Edward. m THE admiral's NIECE. 257 )Ut te. md )rt- fOT ball I mid lear ners the fine ; he .kull iwk; m." cross " Me hope so too," said John ; then looking wistfully at the breakfast table, " you no ask John eat ; him hungry as the old bear." Edward laughed, and cut off a hunch of bread and a large slice of meat. " Here, eat this, while I get ready." The Indit'.n composedly seated himself on the floor and began munching the food, utterly regardless of plate, knife, or fork, while Edward entered an adjoining chamber, and summoning his servant, quickly got ready what traps were neces- sary for a fortnight's sojourn in the wild forest. Having crossed in the ferry-boat to the Dartmouth side . and driven some miles on the Truro road, Edward and his Indian friend got out of the light waggon, leaving I'WW 1 258 1 , TUE ADMIRAL S KTI.CE. . f 111 J '31 the servant who had accompanied thcui to drive it back j and struck oflf the roads into the woods, the Indian leading the w^y. They had not prccetded m :::e than a mile, when he stopped, and held up his band. " John hear footsteps ; it my son." Edward listened tut heard nothing ; presently an Indian youth, about sixteen, sprung through the bushes close to them. "Well, young 'un," said Edward, "I thought you would have missed us this time." " Me no do that never," replied the boy, showing his white teeth. "You tell me you be here this day, me watch till you come;" then turning to the old Indian, he spoke a few words in the soft guttural Indian tongue, and then dropping quietly THE admiral's NIECE. 259 behind, the trio pushed on their way almost in silence. They had walked many miles, and were surrounded by dense forests, when the setting sun warned them to prepare to bivouac for the night; the two Indiana quickly erected a wigwam, or tent of poles, covered with bark, in which was spread a most comfortable bed of soft dry moss. Ed- ward eyed these preparations for rest with no small complacency, his day's journey having rather fatigued him. They next lighted a large fire outside the tent, and having partaken of a hearty supper of cold meat and bread, with something to wash it down, they sat round the blazing wood, smoking, till Edward's pipe suddenly drop- ping from his mouth, aroused him from his half sleeping state j and entering the tent 260 THE admiral's NIECE. he threw himself on his mossy couch, and in a very few minutes was oblivious to all around him. The Indians, also wrapping their blan- kets around them, with their feet toward, the fire, sank upon the soft mossy ground, and were scon apparently asleep. They had lain thus for about two hours, and the fire had nearly died out, when the elder Indian raised himself gently and lis- tened. Theie was no sound that an ordi- nary ear would have caught in the still summer night, but the Indian evidently heard something, for in the waning fire light you could see his small bright eye glisten, and cau lously taking up a rifle that lay by his side, he examined it to sea that it was right, and drew his finger over the edge of the tomahawk. A grim smile THE admiral's NIECE. 261 of satisfaction passed over his countenance as he made these preparations; he then lay down again, as though sleeping, but the gleam of his bright eye was visible, watching intensely in one direction. Glancing towards the boy, we might have discovered his eyes wide open also; he had watched his father's movements in silence; presently he raised himself on one arm. Hist ! and he has dropped again as though lifeless. A few moments more watching, and with a stealthy, hesitating step a huge black bear comes towards the tent ; almost imperceptibly the elder Indian has raised himself into a sitting posture, and silently lifted his gun; a moment more, and a sharp report rings out in the still night. With a savage growl of pain and anger, the bear turns to make off; but with the 262 THE admiral's niece. '; air i v.: 'a; I * swiftness of light the boy is on his feet, and straight as nn arrow a gleaming toma- hawk CMt>\ through the air, and the beast, without a sound, falls lifeless to the ground. "Good," was all the father uttered. The report of the gun had roused Ed- ward, who rushed out of the tent. On seeing the dead bear, a look of great disap- pointment came into his face, and in a surly tone he asked : " Why did you not call me ?" " Him run off if we stir," replied the Indian ; " him old and much cunning." In the meantime the boy, with much dexterity, was quietly removing the ani- mal's skin; he then proceeded to cut off a steak, which no doubt was intended for breakfast. The fire was again replenished, THE ADMIRALS NIECE. 263 and Edward once more retired to rest, while the two Indians, lighting their pipes, smoked on in unbroken silence, till the first streaks of light ga* j token that the early summer day was beginning; then once more wrapping themselves in their blankets, they sought for that repose which the dark hours of the night had denied to them. END OF VOL I. T. C. Newby, Printer, 30, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square. I' I !J ,'Ji li % MR. NEWBY'S NEW PUBLICATIONS. IN THE PRESS. 1. SPLENDIDLY ILLUSTRATl'.D GIFT BOOK FOR CIllUSTMAS, Dedicated by permission to the Countoii of Wnitttiorolnrid. Tn 1 vol^ poit 4tOy price 12*. 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