"I consider nothing," I exclaimed, throwing my arms round her, and kissing her at the window.
"Mercy! take care lest you fall."
"This separation renders me miserable; for two whole days I have not seen you."
Her kiss, so tender and loving, agitated me so deeply that my voice was almost inarticulate.
"And mewed up here, I have been so wretched too, dear Basil," she murmured, while placing her arms caressingly round my neck, as I crept in and closed the window; "how cruel of uncle Nathan to treat us so."
"He has written to my grandfather, and in such harsh terms that more mischief will be in store for me," said I, bitterly.
"Take courage, dear Basil," whispered Ruth, as we sat with our arms entwined and cheek pressed against flushing cheek; "those wicked people would seem to have done you already all the harm that is possible."
"I know not; for your uncle spoke of having me sent to sea; and I have heard at times of people being kidnapped by the pressgang."
"The pressgang—you!" exclaimed Ruth, her fine eyes filling with pity and indignation; "they dare not think of such a thing. Are you not the heir to a baronetcy?"
"True—one of our oldest Nova Scotian baronetcies; but so is my cousin Tony, if—if——"