remark, that love flies from the city, and is most dangerous amidst the
simplicity of nature."

"Forewarned, forearmed; remember," said De Valette, laughing, "I am a
true friend, but I could ill brook a rival."




CHAPTER VI.

Good my complexion! dost thou think, though
I am caparisoned like a man, I have a doublet
And hose in my disposition?

SHAKSPEARE.


De Valette and Stanhope continued to watch the procession till it
stopped before the door of a comfortable house, which was occupied by La
Tour and his family. There, the music ceased, the soldiers filed off to
their respective quarters, and the new married pair received the parting
benediction of father Gilbert. That ceremony concluded, the priest
retired, as if dreading the contamination of any festive scene, attended
only by the two boys who had officiated as torch-bearers,--a service
generally performed in the Catholic church by young persons initiated
into the holy office.

"By our lady, my good uncle," said De Valette to La Tour, who had seen,
and lingered behind to speak with him, "our Puritan allies would soon