ather, sir, that you would not insist on this interview."

He spoke, it seemed to me, in a stiff and constrained manner. I could
only repeat what I had before said to Madeline. "This war must before
long come to an end, and then I will come and claim her for my wife," I
answered boldly.

"Well spoken, sir," said Mr Sutton, turning to me. "With my opinions,
I can only regret that you have to wait till the war is terminated. I
can answer for it that Madeline would not forgive us if we sent you away
without letting you see her. When you have finished supper, if you go
into the drawing-room, you will probably find her there."

My heart gave a jump, and as to putting another mouthful down my throat
I found it impossible. I got up and hurried into the room I had before
met her in. She was there. The old negro had taken good care to tell
her of my arrival. I will not describe our meeting, and all we said,
and the hopes we indulged in. I was amply repaid for what I had done
for her sake. Her father and Mr Sutton were, I found, about to start
on some expedition, but the news I brought them made them alter their
plans. The time too soon arrived that I must take my departure. It was
with a pang I left her, not knowing when the uncertain chances of war
would again allow us to meet.

"Remember, should you ever desire to quit the standard you now serve
under, you will be welcomed in a land of freedom, and we shall not
expect you to turn your arms against your former comrades," said Mr
Sutton, as he wished me farewell.

I felt very much inclined to quarrel with him for the remark. It
sounded strangely like asking me to turn traitor to my country, and I
was glad that Colonel Carlyon did not repeat the remarks of his friend.
We left the family about to prepare for their departure in the morning,
while we returned to the river. O'Driscoll said nothing till we had
once more taken our seats in the boat, and then he expressed his
disappointment at what he called the tameness of the result of our
expedition.

"Arrah, now, I thought we should have had some little fun at all
events," he exclaimed. "I was waiting to see you appear with the lady
in your arms, and to have the old colonel with his pistols popping away
after us while we were pulling like fury for life and liberty down the
river; and after all to have it end in a quiet pleasant supper, and some
matter-of-fact conversation, is very provoking. However, your frie