monster come to swallow you up. I cannot let you go. Oh! my son, my son!"

At length the steamer "Peruvian"--for Lady McAllister desired that Noël
should travel in every way befitting her heir--reached the pier. Ropes
were thrown out and caught by the fishermen.

The mails, in great leather bags, were thrown on board, and shouts were
heard of "All passengers aboard!"

During all this bustle Noël McAllister stepped aside, and said to M.
Bois-le-Duc, in a hurried, anxious tone:

"And now, my father, are you not going to give me your blessing?"

M. Bois-le-Duc, strangely enough, had made no advance towards his
favorite pupil; in fact, during the whole of the last month had seemed
to avoid him. Now, when thus directly questioned, he answered:

"Yes, Noël, I wish you all happiness in your new life, and hope you will
have a safe and pleasant voyage."

"And is that all you have to say to me, my father?"

The curé did not reply, but pointed to Madame McAllister, who was gazing
at her son with eager, wistful eyes, jealously counting every moment of
absence from her side. He obeyed the curé's unspoken command, and
returned to his mother, conscience-stricken at the silent rebuke of this
his best and most valued friend.

No change of plan was possible now. The die was cast for good or evil.