captain's countenance, as he oft times gazed upon the fair form of sweet
Ellen Armstrong.'

'What a suspicious mortal you are, Mary. Why, I would trust Rowland's
honor amongst a thousand Ellen Armstrongs, or Mary Hamiltons either.'

'God grant that your trust in his good intentions may be well founded,'
replied Mary seriously, then adroitly turning the conversation, she
continued, 'see uncle, there is Arthur Huntington and Ellen Armstrong at
the bottom of the hill--let us join them.'

Having thus spoken, Mary Hamilton accepted the aid of the earl's
proffered arm, and both together leisurely descended the hill, intently
gazing upon the sea, they did so as if watching the slow progress of the
ship, which was now standing in towards the land.

So very busy was sweet Ellen Armstrong, in catching each enthusiastic
word as it fell from the lips of Arthur Huntington, whilst he eloquently
descanted on the beauties of the island scenery--she was scarcely aware
of the near vicinity of her elder intruders, until Mary Hamilton
approached her closely and spoke as follows:

'Oh, Ellen, what a monopolizer you are of the attention of young
gentlemen. First, you led Mr. Henry Huntington in a wild goose chase all
around the island, and next, we find you holding a very confidential
'tete-a-tete' with young Mr. Arthur. Such proceedings are really too
bad, and, as your watchful 'duenna,' I must enter my serious protest
against them.'

These words were spoken in a playful bantering kind of manner, which