“Yonder seems truly a brave and gallant ship, sweet cousin mine,” said Lawrence. “Can you guess her name, or whence she comes?”
“Yes, yes—it is the ‘Scorpion!’” she exclaimed.
“And what is there wonderful in the ‘Scorpion,’ fair coz?” asked Lawrence.
“Do not you know, cousin Lawrence, that she is commanded by a very brave officer, Captain Ronald Morton?” said Edda.
“That is fortunate, indeed,” exclaimed Lawrence, turning round suddenly, and encountering Colonel Armytage’s gaze fixed on him.
“Why is it fortunate?” asked the colonel.
“Because he is, I opine, a very brave officer, as your daughter says, good sir,” answered Lawrence. And away he shuffled down the steps.
There was a pause of some duration.
“Remember, Edda,” said her father, at last, “if your conjecture is right, and yonder vessel is commanded by Captain Morton, should he venture here, I command you to have no communication with him. He is a mere adventurer; you are heiress of Lunnasting, and the lands appertaining to it. Listen, girl! you will drive me mad if you look so melancholy, instead of rejoicing at your good fortune.”
Hilda had been watching the corvette from her own tower, and seeing a boat leave the ship and approach the landing-place, she descended to the hall to learn who the strangers were, and to receive them, should they visit the castle. A note was soon afterwards put into her hands, informing her that two old acquaintances had arrived, and craved leave to see her.