"Then be very cautious, Captain Ponsonby," said Christobelle, with a feeling of painful interest. She felt how sorrowful were the disappointments of friendship. What would the pangs of unrequited affection be? "Will you be my guardian angel, and watch over me, Miss Wetheral?" "I cannot undertake such a momentous charge," she replied. Lord Farnborough watched the conversation in gloomy silence, and conversed no more with Miss Quintin. Lady Wetheral was gratified by the expression of jealousy which darkened his lordship's fine face, for, during the little bustle of debarkation, she smiled, and hastily whispered--"Christobelle, very well managed, my love; a little jealousy is useful, but beware of giving _offence_." "Mamma, you are quite mistaken, indeed you are." "Nonsense, Bell; I am keenly watching and deciding." Lord Farnborough offered his hand to assist her transit at that moment, and the subject was of course dropped. Captain Ponsonby offered his hand to Miss Wetheral, and they followed in succession: he placed her arm within his own, as they touched the shore of the little island. "Mind, you belong to me, Miss Wetheral; I shall not relinquish you now." Lord Farnborough consigned Lady Wetheral to his father's care, and immediately returned. His lordship appeared offended at the disposition of things. "Miss Wetheral, I am deputed by Lady Wetheral to bring you to her: allow me--" Lord Farnborough put forth his arm. Captain Ponsonby interfered. "No one takes my guardian angel from me. I will take charge of Miss Wetheral with equal care. Miss Wetheral is mine." "My claim began earlier, Ponsonby," remarked his lordship, with a look of fierceness. "I will fight for every inch of mine. My good fellow, the Quintins are unattended." "My delegated place is by the side of Miss Wetheral." Lord Farnborough threw a look of defiance at her companion, which terrified Christobelle. "Oh, pray take me to my father, Captain Ponsonby," she cried; "pray let me walk with my father." "You shall be obeyed." Captain Ponsonby drew her among the group, who were deciding the plan of refreshment, or arranging their dress, and gave her into her father's care; but Christobelle still dreaded the looks of Lord Farnborough. She did not withdraw her arm from Captain Ponsonby's support: he smiled. "You _are_ my guardian angel, after all. I see your fears, and, while they operate to my advantage, I hope they will continue. How delightful it is to be the object of a woman's tender care! every thing is so kindly and silently done." "I do not like Lord Farnborough's looks, Captain Ponsonby." "Nor I, at all. I am very much alarmed, and I beg you will keep near me." Christobelle laughed. "What are you laughing at?"