how you the way, or you might chance to knock your head against some of
the iron-plated gates, which bar the approach to the summit."

In what direction Don Hernan might just then have wished poor Lawrence,
it need not be said. No means of getting rid of him occurred to his
mind. Had he been on the top of the tower, he might have felt inclined
to throw him over; but as it was, he had to submit to his company with
as good a grace as he could command.

"I fear that you may not consider my cousin the best of guides on all
occasions; but he can lead the way to the top of our tower as well as a
wiser man," said Hilda, observing the Spaniard's look of anger, and at
the same time, from maiden bashfulness, not sorry to have Lawrence as an
escort. Up they went, therefore, till they reached Hilda's
sitting-room.

"This, you see, Don Hernan, is my fair kinswoman's bower--her boudoir,
her retiring-room, or whatever else you like to call it--where she sits
brooding in silence, watching the stars and the moon sometimes, ye ken,
or reading romances and works on philosophy, metaphysics, astrology, and
other subjects far too deep for my poor brain," said Lawrence, as he
entered the apartment.

Don Hernan glanced round with an eye of curiosity and surprise. "It is
indeed a delightful spot for retirement and contemplation," he remarked,
turning to Hilda, as he offered her his hand to assist her up the last
step of the stair. "I would gladly give up my roving life to inhabit
it."

"How strange! for though I love it dearly, I can fancy nothing so
delightful as being able to wander here and there to new and far-off
lands," answered Hilda, smiling.

Don Hernan whispered a few words, which Lawrence could not hear. "You
have now shown me your home on the shore, let me have the opportunity of
showing you mine on the water," he added, taking her hand, with an
expression which called forth a deep blush on her cheek; yet her hand
was not withdrawn. "You can, I doubt not, persuade your cousin and good
housekeeper to accompany you, and any other escort you may deem
advisable. I will send for our pilot, and we will take a short cruise
round some of the neighbouring islets."

Hilda, after a moment's hesitation, consented to the proposal. Lawrence
was delighted at the idea of a sail in the big ship.

The summer days of Shetland are few, but they are perfect while they
last, and long enough to satisfy the most enthusiastic admirer of
o