folly with which every chance was mismanaged,
every opportunity let slip; of the childish prejudice with which
every true friend was estranged, and of the silly vanity which
daily demanded new incense during the whole of this miserable
affair--you might understand without difficulty," I returned, with
some little heat.

"But, Chevalier," he inquired, soothingly, "may I ask why you
followed his fortunes?"

"From that, Vicomte, which I doubt not has ever guided your own
course in life, from the one motive that has alone influenced
me--principle. My people followed the fortunes of his grandfather
after the Boyne, and on both sides of my house, Maxwells and
Geraldines, our name has been synonymous with loyalty to the Stuart
cause abroad as well as at home."

"I know your name and its equivalent, Chevalier. May I ask to
which branch you belong?"

"I scarce know how to qualify my standing," I answered, laughing;
"we have been proscribed rebels so long that I have lost touch with
those things men most value in regard to family. Just as I am a
Chevalier without so much as a steed whereon to mount my knightship,
so am I a Maxwell of Kirkconnel without title to a rood of ground
or a kinsman within measurable distance; and my father before me
held naught he could call his own save his honour, my lady mother,
and my unworthy self. No! if there be a Spanish branch, I swear
I'll lay claim to that, for 'tis Spain assuredly that must hold my
flocks and herds, not to name my chateaux."

"Chevalier," he began, earnestly, "I shall esteem it a favour--"

"Not for the world, my dear Vicomte! Money is the one anxiety which
seldom causes me a second thought. My habit of life is simple,
and my only ambition my profession. But to go back to the happy
chance of our meeting, may I inquire, without indiscretion, the
name of the young lady whom you rescued?"

"Oh, come, come! Honour where honour is due. I am no more responsible
for the rescue than yourself. The young lady is a Miss Grey, living
with her aunt in temporary lodgings in Essex Street, off the Strand."

"I have a suspicion, sir, that the name may be as temporary as her
lodging, and that I am fortunate in applying to one who can give
me reliable information."

To this, however, the Vicomte only bowed somewhat stiffly, and
being unwilling that any contretemps should arise to mar so promising
an acquaintance--though the Lord only knows what umbrage any one
could take from my