ian ship, and
seems to have been a good while making his way back to Europe. I had
taken care that our address should be known at Dieppe, but it is quite
possible that he may not have applied to the right people, or that they
may not have preserved my letter, so that we cannot feel sore that he
was to blame.'

'If he had been worth anything at all, he would have moved heaven and
earth to find her!' cried Nuttie; 'and you said yourself it was all
_that_ Mark's doing!'

'He seems to be a very upright and generous young man, that Mr. Mark
Egremont,' said Miss Headworth, a whole romance as to Nuttie's future
destiny sweeping across her mind in an instant, with a mental
dispensation to first cousins in such a case. 'I think you will find
him a staunch champion even against his own interests.'

Perceptions came across Nuttie. 'Oh, then I am a sort of lost heiress,
like people in a story! I see! But, Aunt Ursel, what do you think
will happen?'

'My dear child, I cannot guess in the least. Perhaps the Egremont
property will not concern you, and only go to male heirs. That would
be the best thing, since in any case you must be sufficiently provided
for. Your father must do that.'

'But about mother?'

'A proper provision must be insisted on for her,' said Miss Headworth.
'It is no use, however, to speculate on the future. We cannot guess
how Mr. Mark Egremont's communication will be received, or whether any
wish will be expressed for your mother's rejoining your father. In
such a case the terms must be distinctly understood, and I have full
trust both in Mr. Mark and in Lady Kirkaldy as her champions to see
that justice is done to you both.'

'I'm sure he doesn't deserve that mother should go to him.'

'Nor do I expect that he will wish it, or that it would be proper; but
he is bound to give her a handsome maintenance, and I think most
probably you will be asked to stay with your uncle and cousins,' said
Miss Headworth, figuring to herself a kind of Newstead Abbey or some
such scene of constant orgies at Bridgefield Egremont.

'I shall accept nothing from the family that does not include mother,'
said Nuttie.

'Dear child, I foresee many trials, but you must be her protector.'

'That I will,' said Nuttie; and in the gallant purpose she went to bed,
to find her mother either asleep or feigning slumber with tears on her
cheek.

CHAPTER VI.

THE WATER-SOLDIER.

'Presumptuous maid, with looks in