But when the stagecoach containing Miss De Lancie and her party drew up before the city hotel, Lord William, perhaps “to treat resolution,” was the first person to step from the piazza and welcome her back. Colonel Compton and his family were only waiting for Marguerite’s arrival to proceed southward. The next day but one was fixed for their departure. But the intervening morning, while the family were alone in their private parlor, Lord William Daw entered, looking grave and troubled. Colonel Compton arose in some anxiety to welcome him. When he had greeted the ladies and taken a seat, he said: “I have come only to bid you good-by, friends.” “I am sorry to hear that! but--you are not going far, or to remain long, I hope,” said Colonel Compton. “I am going back to England, sir,” replied the young man, with a sorrowful glance at Miss De Lancie, who seemed not quite unmoved. “You astonish us, Lord William! Is this not a sudden resolution?” inquired Mrs. Compton. “It is a sudden misfortune, my dear madam! Only this morning have I received a letter from my father, announcing the dangerous illness of my dear mother, and urging my instant return by the first homeward-bound vessel. The _Venture_, Captain Parke, sails for Liverpool at twelve to-day. I must be on board within two hours,” replied the young man, in a mournful voice, turning the same deeply-appealing glance toward Marguerite, whose color slightly paled. “We are very sorry to lose you, Lord William, and still sorrier for the occasion of your leaving us,” said Cornelia Compton. And so said all the party except--Miss De Lancie. Lord William then arose to shake hands with his friends. “I wish you a pleasant voyage and a pleasant arrival,” said the colonel. “And that you may find your dear mother quite restored to health,” added Mrs. Compton. “Oh, yes, indeed! I hope you will, and that you will soon visit us again,” said Cornelia. Marguerite said nothing. “Have you no parting word for me, Miss De Lancie?” inquired the young man, approaching her, and speaking in a low tone, and with a beseeching look. Marguerite waved her hand. “A good voyage, my lord,” she said. He caught that hand and pressed it to his lips and heart, and after a long, deep gaze into her eyes, he recollected himself, snatched his hat, bowed to the party, and left the room. Colonel Compton, in the true spirit of kindness, arose and followed with the purpose of attending him to his ship. “There’s a coronet slipped through your fingers! Oh, Marguerite! Marguerite! if I had been in your place I should have secured that match! For, once married, they couldn’t unmarry us, or bar the succession, either, and so, in spite of all the reverend tutors and most noble papas in existence, I should, in time, have worn the coronet of a marchioness,” said Miss Compton. “And you would have done a very unprincipled thing, Cornelia,” replied her mother, very gravely.