pire to
the hand of a rich heiress. It was true that many Scottish
adventurers in foreign services had so married, but this had seemed
a thing altogether beyond him. He had rendered a service to her
father, and they had, in consequence, been most kind to him; but he
had thought that it would be only a poor return for their kindness
for him to aspire to their daughter's hand.

He had put the matter even more resolutely aside because, once or
twice, the count had said things that might be construed as hints
that he should not regard such an act as presumptuous. He had
spoken not unapprovingly of the marriages of ladies of high rank to
men who had rendered great services to the countries for which they
had fought, and said that, with such ample means as Thirza would
possess, there would be no need for him to seek for a wealthy match
for her. Thirza herself had evinced lively pleasure, whenever he
went to see them, and deep regret when he left them; while her
colour rose, sometimes, when he came upon her suddenly. But these
indications that he was not altogether indifferent to her had but
determined him, more resolutely, to abstain from taking advantage
of the gratitude she felt for the service he had rendered.

Now, it seemed to him that the news he had heard had somewhat
changed the position. He was no longer a penniless soldier. It was
true that the Drummond estates were as nothing by the side of the
broad lands owned by her father; but at least, now, he was in the
position of a Scottish gentleman of fair means and good standing,
who could dispense with wealth on the part of a bride, and had a
fair home and every comfort to offer to one in his native land.
That he had, too, obtained the rank of colonel in the Prussian
army, by service in many a desperate battle, distinctly added to
his position. Thus, in every respect, the news that he had received
was in the highest degree gratifying to him.

Chapter 18: Engaged.

On the following day, Sir John Mitchell handed to Fergus the
official documents respecting the restoration of the estates and,
after taking copies of the same, Fergus wrote a long letter to his
mother, inclosing the official papers, Mitchell having offered to
send the packet home with his despatches. Fergus was glad to get
the documents sent off in this way--by which, indeed, he had sent
the greater part of his letters to his mother--the post being so
uncertain and insecure that there was no trusti