Of Admiral Sir R. Mowbray, Calantha now took leave without being able to utter one word:—she wept as children weep in early days, the hearts’ convulsive sob free and unrestrained. He was as much affected as herself, and seeking Lady Margaret, before he left the castle and followed his nephew who had gone straight to England, began an eager attack upon her, with all the blunt asperity of his nature. Indeed he bitterly reproached himself, and all those who had influenced him, in what he termed his harsh unfeeling conduct to his nephew in this affair.—“And as to you, madam,” he cried, addressing Lady Margaret, “you make two young people wretched, to gratify the vanity of your son, and acquire a fortune, which I would willingly yield to you, provided the dear children might marry, and go home with me to Allanwater, a place as pretty, and far more peaceful than any in these parts: there, I warrant, they would live happy, and die innocent—which is more than most folks can say in these great palaces and splendid castles.” A smile of contempt was the only answer Lady Margaret deigned to give.—Sir Richard continued, “you are all a mighty fine set of people, no doubt, and your assemblies, and your balls are thronged and admired; but none of these things will make the dear child happy, if her mind is set upon my nephew; I am the last in the world to disparage any one; but my nephew is just as proper a man in every point of view as your son; aye, or any body’s son in the whole world; and so there is my mind given free and hearty; for there is not a nobler fellow, and there never can be, than Henry Avondale:—he is as brave a soldier as ever fought for his country; and in what is he deficient?” Lady Margaret’s lips and cheeks were now become livid and pale—a fatal symptom, as anger of that description in all ages has led to evil deeds; whereas the scarlet effusion has, from the most ancient times been accounted harmless. “Take Lady Calantha then,” exclaimed Lady Margaret, with assumed calmness, while every furious passion shook her frame; “and may she prove a serpent to your bosom, and blast the peace of your whole family.” “She is an angel!” exclaimed the Admiral, “and she will be our pride, and our comfort.” “She is a woman,” returned Lady Margaret, with a malicious sneer; “and, by one means or other, she will work her calling.” Calantha’s tears checked Sir Richard’s anger; and, his carriage being in readiness, he left the castle immediately after this conversation. CHAPTER XIV.