is needless to say that Constance de Tourville frequently recurred to
his thoughts. He had heard enough to make him understand the dangerous
position of the Protestants in France, even of the highest rank, and the
fearful persecutions to which all classes were exposed. From the
remarks Constance had made, it was evident that she herself was exposed
to much annoyance, if not danger, even within the precincts of the
palace, and he earnestly hoped that he might have an opportunity of
speaking to her father, and obtaining her release.

He had sat for some time when he was aroused by a knock at the door, and
the servant of the inn announced that a person desired to speak with
him.

"Let him come in," said Nigel; and a respectable-looking man, somewhat
advanced in life, as was shown by his silvery locks, stepped forward.

"I am attached to the house of the Count de Tourville, whose daughter
despatched me to seek you out, and place myself at your service."

"Come in, my friend," said Nigel, offering him a chair. "You are, I
presume, Maitre Leroux, and I am grateful to the young lady for her
kindness, of which I will gladly avail myself. Shall you be ready to
set out to-morrow morning?"

"I had intended to do so, but business will keep me in Paris for another
day," answered Maitre Leroux; "and if you, fair sir, do not object to
remain, I will gladly set forth with you at any hour you may name on the
following morning. You may, in the mean time, find amusement in this
big city of Paris."

Nigel, who was pleased with Maitre Leroux, though anxious to continue
his journey, willingly agreed to wait for the purpose of having his
escort.

"But I have engaged my horse for to-morrow," he added.

"I will easily settle that matter with Jacques Cochut; and if you will
accept of my company I will call for you, and show you some of the
sights of our city, as you will, alone, be unable to find your way about
the streets, and may chance to lose yourself, or get into some
difficulty."

"Thank you," said Nigel. "I shall indeed be glad of your society, for,
except a kinsman in the guards, I know no one in the whole of Paris."

These arrangements having been made, Maitre Leroux took his departure;
and Nigel was not sorry, soon after supper, to throw himself on his bed,
and seek the repose which even his well-knit limbs required.

Nigel, who slept longer than was his wont, waited at the inn some time
for Maitre Leroux. He was af