Wardhill.

"Yes, Lawrence, I have been looking at the ship," she answered, with so
peculiar a calmness, that it appeared to be produced by an effort. "You
have, I conclude, visited her, and can give me some information about
the stranger."

"Ah! that can I, fair cousin," he answered, with his usual painful
chuckle. "I have been on board the ship, and introduced myself to her
captain, and, what is more, invited him to the castle. He has a right
to claim our hospitality, for who, think you, is he?--no other than one
of those Spanish cousins we have heard often spoken about by her who
lies sleeping in yonder churchyard out there--ah's me!--and others.
Nurse Bertha will know all about them; we must get her to tell us before
he comes: he will be here soon, though. I told him that he must let me
go on ahead, to give due notice of his coming, or he would have arrived,
and taken you by surprise. He is a gallant-looking knight; a true don
of the old school. But I say, Hilda, don't treat him to the scornful
glances you cast at me, or he will not like it."

Miss Wardhill took no notice of the last remark. "Since you have
invited these strangers to the castle, whether they are really our
relations or not, we must be prepared to receive them. Go, look for
Sandy Redland; he has not left the island yet: he must go round and
collect an ample store of provisions, that we may not be looked on as
niggards in our hospitality, in this island home of ours. Send Bertha
Eswick to me; she knows, better than any other person here, what
arrangements should be made to do honour to strangers; it is so long
since any one came here, that I cannot hope to remember what
preparations are required. Go, Lawrence, and do you remember not to
bring discredit on the family by any pranks or strange vagaries you may
wish to play."

CHAPTER THREE.

LAWRENCE BRINDISTER VISITS THE SPANISH SHIP--DON HERNAN INVITED TO THE
CASTLE--SURLY GRIND, LAWRENCE'S DOG.

The accounts which Don Hernan had received from various quarters while
on shore at Lerwick about the inhabitants of Lunnasting Castle had
excited his curiosity and interest to the highest pitch. Though fully
intending to return shortly to Lerwick, he had an object in suddenly
leaving Brassay Sound. He also wished to arrive unexpectedly in the
neighbourhood of Lunnasting.

Rolf Morton came at his summons; and understanding the "Saint Cecilia"
was shortly to return to Lerwick, not having