But for a time never a word said Jack.
He rose from the couch at last, and going quietly to the corner, took up his sword and drew it.
“Tom,” he said boldly, “pardon me if I seem to act stagy, I am not acting. We Mackenzies are a wild and headstrong lot, and too proud, I own, by far. We cannot help our nature. But here in your presence I vow that now this good blade shall be my bride; that I’ll be true to her, and she as true as steel to me.”
“Bravo, Jack!” cried MʻHearty, bursting into the room; “I’ve heard it all. And now, my lad, I bring you good tidings. I’ve run all the way from the port-admiral’s office to be the very first to shake hands with Post-Captain Jack Mackenzie.”
CHAPTER VI.
A BOLT FROM THE BLUE.
“O Life! how pleasant in thy morning,
Young Fancy’s rays the hills adorning.”
Burns.
