remind her
that her son will undoubtedly succeed in establishing his claim to his
father's inheritance." This thought was uppermost in Ronald's mind, as
he opened the well-known wicket and was crossing the court-yard to enter
the hall.

At that moment Colonel Armytage was sallying out to inspect the domain
which he hoped soon would be his own. He stopped, and looking with an
angry frown on his frown at Ronald, said, "Captain Morton, it will
prevent mistakes in future, if I at once tell you that I cannot allow
your visits to this house, especially if paid, as I have reason to
suppose, for the sake of seeing my daughter. While on service I was
always ready to treat you as an equal in rank, but you must remember
that your birth does not entitle you to associate on the same terms with
the owners of Lunnasting; and as, at the express wish of Sir Marcus
Wardhill, I am henceforth to be master here, I must at once, to save
unpleasantness for the future, forbid you the castle."

Morton bowed; though he bit his lip at the insult offered him, there was
a smile in his eye which showed that he was not very much moved by the
colonel's behaviour.

"I will not dispute the matter with you now, sir," he answered, calmly.
"But I have a matter of importance on which to speak with the Lady
Hilda, and unless she refuses to see me, I feel myself bound to
communicate with her."

Colonel Armytage, notwithstanding all Morton could say, was determined
that he should not enter. He was still holding out against what Ronald
was urging, when Rolf Morton and his friends entered the court-yard.

"Colonel Armytage, these gentlemen have come expressly to see Sir Marcus
Wardhill and his daughter, the Lady Hilda," said Ronald firmly. "I must
introduce them. My former captain and friend, Lord Claymore; Mr Frazer
and Mr Scott, two eminent lawyers from Scotland; and my father, whom
you have heard of as Mr Rolf Morton."

Colonel Armytage looked confused.

"Of course, my lord and gentlemen, if you desire to see Sir Marcus
Wardhill, I cannot prevent you. I will lead the way and prepare him for
your visit."

Scarcely had Colonel Armytage disappeared than another party entered the
court-yard. In the centre walked the worthy Captain Tacon, who was
examining the building with much curiosity, and looking about him with a
swaggering air of independence. He was guarded on either side by Job
Truefitt and young Doull, who showed by their looks that th