; "we must not turn
round, and the sooner we let these people get to a distance from us, the
better."

Nigel, seeing that it would be hopeless to attempt assisting the
unfortunate man, did as his companion advised, and they accordingly
waited till the troopers were out of sight, taking good care not again
to overtake them. Their progress was thus considerably delayed, and not
till they came to a road passing outside the town of Meaux did they
again venture to push forward.

They managed before sunset to reach the Chateau de Tourville, a high
conical-roofed pile, with numerous towers and a handsome gateway.
Maitre Leroux, conducting Nigel to a waiting-room near the entrance,
went at once to the count, taking his letter of introduction. Nigel had
not been left long alone when the steward returned with the request that
he would accompany him to the hall, where, he told him, he would find
the count and admiral with several other persons. Nigel, not being
troubled by bashfulness, quickly followed his guide.

The count, who was of middle age and handsome, courteously rose from his
seat at the top of the table to welcome him. At the right hand of the
count Nigel observed a person of middle height, ruddy complexion, and
well-proportioned figure, with a calm and pleasant, if not decidedly
handsome countenance. On the other side sat a tall man, whose sunburnt
features, though regular, wore an expression which at the first glance
gave Nigel the feeling that he was not a person in whom he would place
implicit confidence, though directly afterwards, as he again looked at
him, his manner seemed so frank and easy, that the impression vanished.
Several other persons of different ages, and apparently of somewhat
inferior rank, sat on either side of the table.

"Which of those two can be the admiral?" thought Nigel; "the last looks
most like a naval commander."

"The Lady Mary Seton, your cousin, and my daughter, have written in your
favour, young sir, and I am glad to see you at the chateau; you have, I
understand, also a letter of introduction to Admiral Coligny, to whom
allow me to make you known." Saying this, the count presented Nigel to
the gentleman on his right side, who requested the person next him to
move further down, bidding Nigel to take the vacant seat.

Nigel observed that the meal was over, but the count ordered the servant
to bring in some viands for the newly arrived guest.

"As I take no wine you will al