“I really beg your pardon, my dear Lord; Edward’s sudden appearance has startled me out of all etiquette.  To one and all, then, of my good friends here, allow me to introduce to their indulgent notice this said Edward Fortescue, midshipman and gallant officer on board His Majesty’s good ship Prince William; and, in order that all reserve may be at an end between us, I propose a bumper to the health and prosperity of the wanderer returned.”

“Most excellent, my dear father; one that I will second with all my heart,” exclaimed Percy, eagerly.  “For that amphibious animal looks marvellously like a fish out of water amongst us all:  and here we admit no strangers.  Edward, there is a vacant seat reserved for you by my mother’s side, who looks much as if she would choose you for her knight this evening; and, therefore, though your place in future is amongst the young ladies, to whom by-and-bye I mean to introduce you by name and character, we will permit you to sit there to-night.  Ellen, my little coz, where are you?  You must be content with looking at your brother, not sitting by him.  I cannot allow such breaches of etiquette; that is quite impossible.”

“I am perfectly satisfied where I am, Percy,” replied his cousin, laughing, as she obeyed the Marchioness of Malvern’s request and seated herself beside her.  Every eye was turned on Ellen with an admiration, which, had not her thoughts been engrossed with her brother, would have been actually painful to one of her quick feelings.  Lady Malvern longed to hear from her young favourite, in words, the internal delight which was so evident in every feature, and by her kindly sympathy succeeded in her wishes.  The young sailor’s health was celebrated with enthusiasm; and Edward gracefully, though briefly, returned his thanks, while the kindness of all around him, the easy friendliness of those who were strangers, and the joy of feeling himself once more in the midst of those he loved, soon placed him perfectly at ease.

Ellen looked eagerly round her circle of friends, to mark the impression made by Edward, and even her fond affection was fully satisfied.  Sir George Wilmot had not spoken, but his eye kindled with animation as in the gallant young sailor he recalled his own youthful days, while some other sad remembrances kept him silent, and checked his usual hilarity.  Lord Malvern appeared almost as interested as Mr. Hamilton.  Lady Gertrude’s kind glance met hers, and told, by its silent eloquence, how well she sympathised in Ellen’s feelings; and Lord St. Eval too, his smile spoke volumes, though his natural reserve prevented his addressing Edward, while the young and lively members of the party seemed to find abundant amusement in the anecdotes and adventures he narrated.  Arthur Myrvin gazed earnestly at him, and for a time banished his own distressing thoughts in the endeavour to trace in the fine manly youth before him some likeness to the handsome, yet violent and mischievous boy he had first and last seen in the village of Llangwillan.