tice of heaven, lady," he replied, solemnly.

Hilda made no reply, but her beautiful features wore an expression of
the deepest, the most hopeless distress.

Pedro Alvarez having obtained from Lawrence, and others, every
particular about the attack on the castle, as well as a description of
the child, and even the appearance of the men who carried him off,
returned on board his brig, and the next day sailed for the southward.

His coming had thrown Hilda into a painful state of agitation. She had
not recovered from it when the smack with Colonel Armytage on board
anchored before the castle. Edda's joyous countenance formed a great
contrast to her melancholy look. Sir Marcus met her, as she was
preparing to receive her future brother-in-law, and harshly ordered her
to appear more cheerful.

"Those lachrymose features of yours will raise suspicions in his mind
which may induce him to make disagreeable inquiries," he said, in an
angry tone. "I know his disposition, and fully believe that, should he
discover anything to displease him, he is capable of breaking off the
match altogether. Should he do so, remember, Hilda, you will be
answerable for the consequences."

"Can you intrust my sister's happiness with such a man?" asked Hilda.

"I am the best judge on that point," was the answer.

Colonel Armytage soon came on shore, attended by two servants. He was
decidedly handsome and gentlemanly, and though at times his manner was
somewhat haughty and reserved, he was often so courteous and agreeable,
that he quickly regained his place in the good graces of those with whom
he associated. Hilda, indeed, soon forgot her father's remarks, and
felt perfectly satisfied as to the prospect of her sister's happiness.

Colonel Armytage was accompanied by two friends, brother officers.
Their presence made the castle far more lively than it had wont to be
for many a long year; but all their sallies could not dispel the
melancholy which Hilda could not hide even from them. Sir Marcus very
narrowly watched Lawrence, who had become intimate with them; but
whether or not he had told them of any of the occurrences which had
lately taken place, he could not ascertain. It was a relief to him
when, the day of the wedding having arrived, the castle was filled with
the families of sufficient distinction to be invited to it. Hilda could
not but feel that they generally regarded her with looks of curiosity,
and, at the same time, of