"Thy brother Richard died but one week ago, here in London. He died without a will or issue, unexpectedly in the night. The leech was summoned, but when he arrived thy brother was speechless. They say he made frantic efforts to speak, but in vain--death had sealed his lips. It is probably fortunate that he was dumb, as he no doubt wished to disinherit thee, whom he hated. And so the title and estates are thine. With these and the Queen's pardon in thy pocket, thy old place in London awaits thee. So come back--we stand with wide open arms to receive thee. No more at present, from "BOBBY." I looked up, the breeze had begun to freshen; already the sailors were running to and fro, making preparations to hoist anchor and set sail for home. My lady had come up again and stood beside me. "What is it?" she asked with a smile, as she saw the letter in my hand. "'Tis from Sir Robert Vane," I answered. "He tells me that he is about to wed Lady Jane Porter; so thou seest, fair one, thou hast lost a lover," I said teasingly. "I care not," she replied. "I have also gained one, and I am glad he is to wed, for I feared he would take the news of my betrothal to heart.". "He also says my brother Richard is dead, and the title and estates are now mine." And I placed the letter in her hand. "'Tis too good to be true," she replied calmly, as she clapped her hands. "See, sir, I am thy good fairy; the minute I came to thee, fortune opened wide her lap and poured her treasure at thy feet." "Had she brought me naught but thee, I had been content," I answered. I looked cautiously around. There was no one in sight, so catching her in my arms I stole a kiss. I was still looking down at her pink cheeks, when a step sounded, and Governor White came around the corner. One glance at my lady was enough for the wily captain, and with a twinkle in his eye, he looked at me. "I think I may congratulate thee again, upon something of more importance than even thy pardon," he said. "And what may that be, Governor?" I asked innocently, for I had no mind to give Margaret away. "Upon thy approaching wedding," he answered, a broad smile upon his face. "Of a truth, Sir Thomas, thou art the most fortunate of men, and thou shouldst thank thy lucky star that thou hast won so lovely a bride." "I am indeed most fortunate," I answered, "for I would not to-day exchange places with a king. And this letter from a dear friend, tells me my father's estates and title are now mine." "This has of a truth been a day for thee long to be remembered," said the Governor, "and I rejoice with thee, for I grew to know and esteem thee for thy worth and valor, whilst thou wert with me upon the ship." "Not more than I did thee," I replied. "But hast thou heard aught of thy little grandchild and the lost colony since I left thee?" His old face saddened, and a look of grief came into his eyes.