The most striking and picturesque of these walks led along the cliffs over the sea, and, indeed, so close as to be fenced off by a parapet from the edge of the precipice. It was a costly labor, and never fully carried out,--the two miles which had been accomplished figuring for a sum that Sir Arthur declared would have bought the fee-simple of a small estate. It was along this pathway that Captain Lyle sauntered with his two sisters on the morning after his arrival. It was the show spot of the whole demesne; and certainly, as regards grand effects of sea-view and coastline, not to be surpassed in the kingdom. They had plotted together in the morning how they would lead Mark in this direction, and, suddenly placing him in one of the most striking spots, enjoy all his wonderment and admiration; for Mark Lyle had seldom been at home since his “Harrow” days, and the Abbey and its grounds were almost strange to him. “What are the rocks yonder, Bella?” said he, listlessly, as he puffed his cigar and pointed seaward. “The Skerries, Mark; see how the waves beat over that crag. They tried to build a lighthouse there, but the foundations were soon swept away.” “And what is that? It looks like a dismantled house.” “That is the ruined castle of Dunluce. It belonged to the Antrim family.” “Good heavens! what a dreary region it all is!” cried he, interrupting. “I declare to you, South Africa is a garden compared to this.” “Oh, Mark, for shame!” said his elder sister. “The kingdom has nothing grander than this coast-line from Portrush to Fairhead.” “I 'm no judge of its grandeur, but I tell you one thing,--I 'd not live here,--no, nor would I contract to live six months in a year here,--to have the whole estate. This is a fine day, I take it.” “It is a glorious day,” said Bella. “Well, it's just as much as we can do to keep our legs here; and certainly your flattened bonnets and dishevelled hair are no allies to your good looks.” “Our looks are not in question,” said the elder, tartly. “We were talking of the scenery; and I defy you to tell me where, in all your travels, you have seen its equal.” “I 'll tell you one thing, Alice, it's deuced dear at the price we are looking at it; I mean, at the cost of this precious bit of road we stand on. Where did the governor get his engineer?” “It was Tony planned this,--every yard of it,” said Bella, proudly. “And who is Tony, pray?” said he, superciliously. “You met him last night,--young Butler. He dined here, and sat next Alice.” “You mean that great hulking fellow, with the attempt at a straw-colored moustache, who directed the fireworks.” “I mean that very good-looking young man who coolly removed the powder-flask that you had incautiously forgotten next the rocket-train,” said Mrs. Trafford. “And that was Tony!” said he, with a faint sneer.