idence, the hearts of the young
people were sad, for they could not help thinking of the many dangers
which they both would have to encounter. Those to which Constance might
be exposed rose up before Nigel. The settlement might be attacked by
the Portuguese, or the natives might prove treacherous, and he could not
forget his doubts of Villegagnon's honesty. Constance thought of the
storms and the enemies Nigel might have to encounter during his voyage,
and the risk he might run of being treated as a heretic by the Roman
Catholics on returning to France. With forebodings she could not
overcome, she saw the ship's sails spread to the wind as they glided out
of the harbour.

The voyage to Europe was accomplished without any disaster. While the
ships were refitting, Nigel, accompanied by Monsieur Billard, captain of
the _Vesta_, one of the ships of the squadron, made a journey to Rouen,
where the admiral had come to meet a number of persons who proposed
embarking. The advantages to be gained in the new colony had spread
among the Protestants of France, and persons of all ranks and from all
quarters were eager to embark. The undertaking was especially favoured
by Calvin, Farel, and other Protestant ministers, who hoped ere long to
see a large and flourishing community of their fellow-believers
established in the New World, where many of those suffering in Europe
might fly for refuge. Rouen was a large and populated place in those
days, and the new emigrants had no difficulty in finding accommodation.
Nigel and Captain Billard called on the admiral at his hotel, and were
received with great courtesy and kindness. Nigel presented the count's
letter.

"I am sorry, my young friend, for one reason, that you desire to quit
the navy of France, for I feel sure that you would have risen to
distinction," observed the admiral, "although I may congratulate you on
another account; and I, therefore, do not hesitate to grant your
request. You will, I hope, succeed in the new position you have
chosen."

Nigel thanked the admiral, and afterwards, accompanied by Captain
Billard, went to call on several persons of distinction who were about
to proceed with them to Nitherohy. He had particularly wished to go on
to Tourville to see his old friend the steward, so as to be able to give
to the count a report of the state of his property. So eager, however,
were the emigrants to set out, that the ships were got ready with
unusual rap