“You are doubtless surprised, Madam; but you would be less so, were you acquainted with the circumstances. I am a strong girl; I was brought up to the sea, and taught navigation and seamanship by my father, with whom I made many voyages. When he was lost in his own ship, the hapless Mercury, Madam, I was under the necessity of looking about for a support for my young brothers. None offered so readily as my father’s calling—that of a merchantman. I understood no business so well as that. My negroes were all sailors. My little brothers were old enough to serve apprenticeship to the same business. Therefore I am what I am, Madam.” Mrs. Estel had been regarding her with the deepest interest; when she ceased speaking the lady said— “Miss Brande, I think I may safely promise to give you, to-morrow, your answer respecting the lease of the house. I think also, that there is no doubt but that I shall take it.” “Then you have no further commands for me, Madam?” “I thank you—no.” Barbara Brande arose, bowed, and withdrew toward the door, followed by the rosy maid. With her hand upon the knob, however, she paused—looked back and said— “Pardon me, Madam, but there is a condition I should mention before this matter goes any further.” “Proceed, Miss Brande.” “It may be a mere trifle to yourself, my lady; but a very important matter to me and _them_. In a word, I have two tried and faithful old family servants, born on the estate, brought up there, and now in their old age, living in a small cabin with a garden which they cultivate; and I should wish——” “I understand you, Miss Brande,” gently interrupted Mrs. Estel—“In the event of my taking the lease, the old people shall not be disturbed. Is there any thing else, Miss Brande?” “I thank you—no, Madam. The terms suit you, I think?” “The terms suit me.” “Then there is nothing else. Good-day, Madam.” “Good-day, Miss Brande.” Barbara now left the room attended by the maid. When Susan returned she closed the door, and approaching her mistress, said, earnestly and respectfully— “Will your ladyship go down to that bleak, lonely place?” “Oh, yes, Susan! Yes, Susan! I never could like the town even in happiness; and now, now it suffocates me! we with oppressed bosoms, need more room to breathe. I long for the boundless woods, and the measureless sea! that is the reason why I prefer a wild, uncultivated coast.” Susan approached her mistress, and sitting down on the carpet by her side, half kneeling, half reclining, gazed upon her face with an expression of mute, appealing affection. Mrs. Estel laid her hand benignantly upon the head of the faithful girl, and said— “Besides, Susan, I am imprisoned here; you know I have not left this room, or seen a soul but yourself, since we came here. I dare not go out, lest in a seaport town like this I should be recognized.” “Does your ladyship suspect then——?” “What, Susan?” “_That he is here._” “My heart! my heart! whom do you mean?” “Lord Montressor.”