was more intent than to effect the union between his cousin and Miss Herbert.  He was deeply impressed with the sincerity of Plantagenet’s passion, and he himself entertained for the lady the greatest affection and admiration.  He thought she was the only person whom he had ever known, who was really worthy to be his cousin’s bride.  And, independent of her personal charms and undoubted talents, she had displayed during the outcry against Lord Cadurcis so much good sense, such a fine spirit, and such modest yet sincere affection for the victim, that George Cadurcis had almost lost his own heart to her, when he was endeavouring to induce her not utterly to reject that of another; and it became one of the dreams of his life, that in a little time, when all, as he fondly anticipated, had ended as it should, and as he wished it, he should be able to find an occasional home at Cadurcis Abbey, and enjoy the charming society of one whom he had already taught himself to consider as a sister.

‘And to-night you must indeed go?’ said Venetia, as they were walking together on the terrace.  It was the only time that they had been alone together during his visit.

‘I must start from Arona at daybreak,’ replied George; ’and I must travel quickly, for in less than a month I must be in Sicily.’

‘Sicily!  Why are you going to Sicily?’

Captain Cadurcis smiled.  ‘I am going to join a friend of ours,’ he answered.

‘Plantagenet?’ she said.

Captain Cadurcis nodded assent.

‘Poor Plantagenet!’ said Venetia.

‘His name has been on my lips several times,’ said George.

‘I am sure of that,’ said Venetia.  ‘Is he well?’

‘He writes to me in fair spirits,’ said Captain Cadurcis.  ’He has been travelling in Spain, and now he is somewhere in Africa; we are to meet in Sicily or Malta.  I think travel has greatly benefited him.  He seems quite delighted with his glimpse of Oriental manners, and I should scarcely be surprised if he were now to stretch on to Constantinople.’

‘I wonder if he will ever return to England,’ said Venetia, thoughtfully.

‘There is only one event that would induce him,’ said Captain Cadurcis.  And then after a pause he added, ’You will not ask me what it is?’

‘I wish he were in England, and were happy,’ said Venetia.

‘It is in your power to effect both results,’ said her companion.

‘It is useless to recur to that subject,’ said Venetia.  ’Plantagenet knows my feelings towards him, but fate has forbidden our destinies to be combined.’

’Then he will never return to England, and never be happy.  Ah, Venetia! what shall I tell him when we meet?  What message am I to bear him from you?’

‘Those regards which he ever possessed, and has never forfeited,’ said Venetia.

‘Poor Cadurcis!’ said his cousin, shaking his head, ’if any man ever had reason to be miserable, it is he.’