ed, in the greatest surprise.

"I can go even further. I can name a certain mission which ended
in Fort William."

"Sir," he answered, with grave dignity, "I dislike mystifications.
Who told you these things?"

"One Maxwell."

"Have a care, sir; you are naming one to whom I am under deep
obligation."

"I am naming one, Captain Nairn, who will be as pleased to be of
service to you now as then."

At this his face fairly flamed with pleasure, and he caught my hand
in both his.

"Chevalier, I know you now. Maxwell of Kirkconnel! There is no
man I would rather meet in this world than yourself."

[Illustration: "Chevalier, I know you now".]

"I cannot make out a word of your jargon," broke in M. de St.
Julhien, "but you seem to understand each other. Barbarians, va!
You are best left in charge of each other. You are on parole,
remember, Captain Nairn--and you are on your honour as host,
remember, Chevalier. Do not disgrace our reputation for hospitality.
If your cellar be low, I have a bottle or two uncracked," he cried,
as he bowed and walked off, and we took our way to my quarters.

My heart was bursting for news of my dear Margaret, but these were
the last tidings I could ask of a brother whose sister had cast
him off. In ordinary courtesy I had to abandon my personal
gratification and feign a lively interest in his adventures.

These, however, I have no intention of inflicting upon my reader.
I have refrained from telling much of interest in connection with
myself through a reticence which is, perhaps, blamable; and Captain
Nairn, although relating a tale which bore every impress of truth,
was bald in his manner, lacking that lively sensibility which is
the charm of all cultivated narration, and, being unable to view
any occurrence save from a personal stand, was utterly lacking in
any sense of humour.

At length I felt I was justified in asking for tidings of her, who
for me, stood first among all women.

"You are aware, Captain Nairn, that when with my cousin Lady Jane
Drummond in London and Paris I saw much of your sister Margaret.
I know of the unhappy resolution she took, on hearing of your
acceptance of service under King George, but may I hope that it is
dissipated ere now, and that you can give me news of her, for these
hostilities have prevented all correspondence for near a year past?"

"No," he answered, gravely; "my poor sister has never brought
herself to forgive me, and I have never had w