“You are right, madam, it is well deserved,” replied Sir Edward, with an accent so marked on the last sentence that the attention of all was arrested.  “Hamilton, I have been silent to you on the subject, for I wished to speak it first before all those who are so deeply interested in this young man’s fate.  The lad,” he added, striking his hand frankly on Edward’s shoulder, “the lad whose conscience shrunk from receiving public testimonials of his worth as a sailor, while his private character was stained, while there was that upon it which, if known, he believed would effectually prevent his promotion; who, at the risk of disappointment to his dearest wishes, of disgrace, want of honour, possessed sufficient courage to confess to his captain that his log-book, the first years of his seamanship, told a false tale—­the lad, I say, who can so nobly command himself, is well worthy to govern others.  He who has known so well the evil of disobedience will be firm in the discipline of his men, while he who is so stern to his own faults will, I doubt not, be charitable to those of others.  The sword presented to him for his brave preservation of the crew of the Syren will never be stained by dishonour, while he looks upon it and remembers the past, and even as in those of my own son, shall I henceforward rejoice in using my best endeavours to promote the fortunes of Edward Fortescue.”

The return of Edward, the honours he had received, the perfect happiness beaming on his bright face, all caused Ellen to look forward to the ball with greater pleasure than she had ever regarded gaiety of that sort before; and Mrs. Hamilton would sometimes playfully declare that she and Emmeline had for a time exchanged characters, although Edward’s never-failing liveliness, his odd tales and joyous laugh, had appeared partly to rouse the latter’s usual spirits, and dissipate slightly her mother’s anxiety.

The festive night arrived, and anticipation itself was not disappointed in the pleasure it bestowed.  All the nobility of the country, for miles round, had assembled in respect to the royal guests who had honoured the distinguished commander with their august presence; and Mrs. Hamilton’s natural feelings of pride were indeed gratified that night, as she glanced on her Caroline, who now appeared in public for the first time since her marriage, attired in simple elegance, yet with a richness appropriate to her rank, attracting every eye, even that of their Royal Highnesses themselves, by the graceful dignity of her tall and commanding figure, by the quiet repose and polished ease which characterised her every movement.  If Lord St. Eval looked proud of his young wife, there were few there who would have blamed him.  The Lady Florence Lyle was with her brother, enjoying with unfeigned pleasure, as did Ellen, and to all appearance Emmeline, the scene before them.