“No, lady; not for a service of this kind; your thanks are ample reward.” And with a look of unmistakable admiration at Anne De Bracy, which called the hot blood to her cheek, he made a graceful salute, and retired amongst the rocks. “How very odd, Anne,” said Mrs. Webb; “what an uncommonly handsome, graceful kind of person for a fisherman. I fear I frightened you, dear.” “I was not so much frightened, aunt,” answered the niece, thoughtfully; “but as we were some little distance from help, I did not exactly know what to do, till this stranger ran up and carried you here, and sprinkled your face with water.” “He is certainly a very handsome fisherman,” observed Mrs. Webb; “we have seen, I think, all our neighbours here, and I certainly never remarked him.” “I do not think he is a fisherman,” replied Miss De Bracy, with a smile, as they slowly proceeded home. “Then what can he be, Anne?” questioned the aunt; “this is no masquerading time.” That question Anne De Bracy cared not to answer; she could conjecture, but that was all. Our space will not permit us to dwell upon all the events of Anne De Bracy’s life; we must only touch on its important parts briefly, till we bring her again before our readers as the unfortunate Duchess de Coulancourt. The handsome fisherman was Mr. Granby Arden, the elder brother of Sir Godfrey Etherton. Of a strange and eccentric character, but possessed of a highly cultivated mind, he, by his peculiar mode of thinking and reading, imbibed a decided aversion to all monarchical governments. His great-great-grandfather had been a stanch supporter of Oliver Cromwell, and had lost his life in opposing the return of Charles II. His estates were mostly all forfeited to the Crown, so that the two brothers inherited but moderate fortunes. Mr. Granby Arden, however, succeeded to his mother’s property, an income of some twelve or fourteen hundred a year, whilst Godfrey Arden entered the navy. Granby Arden, when two-and-twenty, passed over into France; where his prejudice against kings and rulers, even at that period, had abundant supporters. With a perfect knowledge of the French, Italian, and German languages, his handsome person and persuasive eloquence, aided by a voice remarkable for its rich and powerful tones, soon caused him to be remarked in the political circles of the capital of France. Louis XVI. had just commenced his career of troubles—the monarchy of France was at this time a pure despotism—but the resources of the realm and the energies of the people were wasted and paralysed. Granby Arden became the associate of Diderot and D’Alembert; he read with avidity the pungent writings of Voltaire, upsetting all preconceived notions by satire and sarcasm; and Rousseau, who, by his appeals to the passions, worked to frenzy by his high wrought pictures those minds stirred by doubt.