d it my duty to inform you of what I have
done."

"In that light I am perfectly ready to receive you sir," said the
colonel, with a stiff bow. "But you will have the goodness to proceed
at once with your narrative: you see that there are a number of people
waiting to transact business with me, and that my time is short."

Ronald felt a disagreeable sensation at his heart as the colonel was
speaking, but he overcame his feelings, and at once entered on the
business which had brought him to the place.

The manner of Colonel Armytage was stiff and ungracious in the extreme.
Ronald had done everything so well, and gave so clear an account of all
the arrangements he had made, that the colonel could not do otherwise
than express himself satisfied. At length he rose, and said in a formal
way, "I think now, sir, our business is ended. You will, I conclude, at
once return to your ship, and express to Lord Claymore my satisfaction
at the arrangements which have been made. His lordship will, however,
see the necessity of leaving to me the task which he has hitherto
performed so efficiently."

Edda had not dared to stir from her seat, but had continued with her
head bent down over some work, only venturing at times to cast a furtive
glance at her father and Ronald, to ascertain how they got on together.
Mrs Armytage soon afterwards joined her, and continued equally silent,
her countenance exhibiting still greater anxiety and nervousness.

The colonel ceased speaking, and looked as if he expected the young
officer to make his bow and walk straight out at the door, but Ronald
felt that he must risk everything rather than take his departure without
exchanging another word with Edda. He therefore, as soon as he rose,
observing that Colonel Armytage had beckoned to one of the Spaniards to
advance, said quietly, "I will pay my respects to Mrs and Miss Armytage
before I go."

Before the colonel could reply he had crossed the room to them.

"Mrs Armytage, whatever happens, I entreat you to think favourably of
me," he said; and then he took Edda's hand, willingly given him, and he
whispered, "Farewell, dearest; we shall meet, I trust, ere long, again,
when I have hopes that some of the difficulties which now surround us
may be surmounted. Your promise, though we were interrupted before the
whole was given, has afforded joy and contentment to my heart."

"Oh, but I give it entirely," Edda exclaimed, eagerly. "No power shall
m