he count, however, advised him not to return to
his ship until absolutely compelled to do so; indeed, having the
permission of the admiral to quit the service, Villegagnon could not
legally insist on his remaining in it.

"Indeed, my dear friend," said the count, "I feel that my own life is so
uncertain, and should I be taken away, my daughter would be left without
a protector in whom I could place confidence, that I desire forthwith to
commit her to your care. You will, I know, devote yourself to her, and,
as far as a human being has power, defend her from all dangers."

Nigel grasped the count's hand, and with a proud joy at his heart,
promised not to disappoint his expectations. He took no vain oath: he
did not call on God to witness that he intended to fulfil his promise,
for he and the count knew that what he uttered was heard in heaven, and
required no other ratification. Constance willingly agreed to her
father's wishes, and it was settled that in a few days the marriage
ceremony should be performed by their minister and friend, Monsieur
Laporte. Their love was mutual and equally intense, and they felt that
they could together face the dangers of many sorts surrounding them far
better than apart. Constance implicitly confided in Nigel, and he felt
unspeakable pride and joy in having the power of supporting and
protecting her.

CHAPTER NINE.

PROCEEDINGS OF "THE INQUISITION."

Ten days had passed since Nigel and Constance were united. He had not
ventured beyond the precincts of the garden; and it might have been
supposed that Captain Villegagnon had forgotten his existence, as no
order had been sent him to join his ship. He intended, should he
receive one again, to plead the admiral's permission to quit the
service, Coligny having indeed accepted his resignation. As long,
however, as he was not interfered with he resolved to remain quiet. He
employed his time in assisting the count in the cultivation of the
ground, and in devising plans for the future. Rumours were abroad that
the governor intended on the arrival of fresh colonists to found a town
on the north side of the harbour, to be named Nitherohy. The count
determined to move there, and to purchase a plot of land on which to
build a residence and form an estate, as he hoped before that time to
receive remittances from his steward.

"I should not have thought of it, my dear Nigel, had it not been for you
and Constance," he observed. "Th