d to withdraw her
hand; she suspected that he had by some means become acquainted with her
family history, and having concocted a story, was practising on her
simplicity.

"I tell you the solemn truth. Why do you doubt me," he exclaimed,
almost fiercely. "You have surely often heard how a child was carried
away by pirates from Lunnasting, and that no tidings had ever been
gained of him. I was that child. The chief of the band, Tacon, is a
prisoner on board this ship. For the sake of obtaining his liberty, he
will be ready to acknowledge his part in the transaction. I was rescued
from his power by my father's faithful lieutenant, and my constant
friend and guardian, Pedro Alvarez. He had no means of getting to
Shetland, nor could he return to Spain. After wandering about in many
parts of the world, taking me with him, he repaired to France, then at
war with England. He sent to Shetland, and from the answer he received,
he believed that my mother was dead. He fancied that, even should he be
able to get there, my claims would not be acknowledged, and he
determined, therefore, till peace was restored, not to make the attempt.
My father, as you may have heard, would have succeeded to the title of
the Marquis de Medea and to a magnificent estate. On his death the
inheritance became mine; but without proofs of my birth, Pedro Alvarez
himself being unable to return to Spain, how could he hope to succeed in
obtaining for me my rights? He had carefully abstained from telling me
the secret of my birth, and I fully believed that I was his son. I have
been brought up as a Frenchman, and as a Frenchman I have always felt
and acted. To support the honour and glory of our great emperor has
always been my ambition and aim; though he may meet with reverses, he
must succeed in the end--I am sure of that as I am of my own existence.
Spain, which has foolishly abandoned him, will again be brought under
his power, and through his means I feel sure that I shall some day
obtain my father's inheritance. You look incredulous, lady. Proud
England, too, will be humbled, and France, and all who adhere to her,
will be triumphant. Those glorious days, when France will rule the
world, will soon arrive, sweet Edda; and I ask you to share with one who
loves you with devotion and tenderness unsurpassed, the wealth and rank
which will then be his."

"I thank you, Monsieur Gerardin, from my heart, I do, for your
sentiments towards me," s