"My young friend here will explain it to you," said Mrs. Barbara, now introducing Mabel. "One in whom she is deeply interested has been implicated in the late mutiny at the Nore, and in consequence of proper evidence not having been brought forward which would have proved that he acted under compulsion, he has been condemned to death. We have seen his Majesty, who was acquainted with the young gentleman, and have now come, wishing to see Mr. Pitt, with two seamen of the ship on board which he served, who can clearly prove that he was an unwilling participator in what took place. Still time is pressing." "I can hold out but slight hopes of Mr. Pitt's interference," answered Lady Hester. "He sees the importance of preventing the recurrence of such a mutiny by striking a wholesome terror into the minds of the seamen." "But surely he would not wish an innocent person to suffer!" exclaimed Mabel. "He can be proved innocent, believe me, your ladyship. The King himself is convinced that he is so. Let me entreat you to beg Mr. Pitt to grant a pardon to this young man." "You take a warm interest in him," said Lady Hester, looking at Mabel somewhat harshly. "Yes, indeed I do, I have known him from his youth," answered Mabel. "He is true and loyal, and would never have aided so dangerous a conspiracy as this appears to have been, to destroy the naval power of England." Lady Hester seemed to relent as she gazed at the young girl. "I am ready to believe you," she answered, "that this young man is innocent. Tell me, how came he to be on board ship in the capacity of an ordinary seaman?" Mabel blushed and hesitated. "Oh, I see how it was," said Lady Hester; "and now you repent. I will see Mr. Pitt, and give him your statement of the case." "Then may I beg you to deliver this letter from his Majesty at the same time?" said Mabel, presenting the King's note. Lady Hester took the paper, and remarked, as she rose to leave the room, "It may have weight with my uncle, but, at the same time, even the King himself cannot turn him from his will when he has once made up his mind." Once more the ladies were left in doubt and anxiety. Mabel could not hope much from Lady Hester's manner. Mrs. Barbara, who had seen her before, argued favourably. Lady Hester was some time absent. At length the door opened, and she returned, followed by a slightly-built gentleman, scarcely yet of middle age, whose bright eye and broad forehead betokened intellect of no ordinary kind. His manner was somewhat stiff and formal as, bowing to the ladies, who had risen at the entrance of Lady Hester, he took his seat near them.