ther. I can without difficulty make you known to her, as the
etiquette of the court is not very rigid, or I should not have been
allowed to wander about the gardens with a gallant young gentleman like
yourself, albeit you claim to be my cousin and an old playmate."

"I see several gentlemen among the fair damsels, so I conclude that my
presence is not altogether an irregularity," said Nigel.

"They are privileged persons, however," said Mary Seton. "That sickly
youth who has just joined the queen and is awkwardly endeavouring to
make himself agreeable is her affianced husband, the Dauphin. For my
part I would rather not be a queen than be compelled to wed so miserable
an object; but I am talking treason. Here comes one of the queen's
uncles, the Duke de Guise--that tall, dark, ill-favoured gentleman. He
is, notwithstanding, one of the most powerful men in France, and intends
to be more powerful still when his niece and her young husband ascend
the throne. But come; the party are moving on, and as Constance de
Tourville is lingering behind, we can quickly overtake her, and when I
have made you known to her, you can tell her of your wish to see the
admiral."

Nigel felt very unwilling to quit his hiding-place, but his cousin,
taking him by the hand, playfully led him forward. They quickly
overtook the interesting girl of whom they had been speaking. Nigel, as
he was introduced, made a bow which would not have disgraced the most
polished gentleman at court. The young lady smiled as she cast a glance
at his handsome, honest countenance, with the glow of health on it,
increased somewhat by the blush which rose on finding himself in
circumstances so unusual to him.

"My cousin Nigel Melvin has come with an introduction to the admiral,
who is, I understand, staying with your father, and he desires to set
out to the chateau, though I would fain persuade him to take service at
the court, instead of tempting the dangers of the sea, which he has the
extraordinary taste to desire."

"Our house steward, Maitre Leroux, is at present in Paris, and will
return to-morrow; and should your cousin desire his escort, I will
direct him to await his orders," said the young lady in a sweet voice.
"Where are you lodging, fair sir?"

"I arrived but this morning, and left my valise at L'Auberge de l'Ange,"
answered Nigel.

"I know not where that is; but Maitre Leroux will easily find it out,
and will call for you at any hour you