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When Fred retired that night, it was with no very pleasant feelings. Who and what was this De Lisle? He asked himself the question repeatedly, without much hope of obtaining an answer. His resolution was to see Gus alone; and, if possible, obtain from him an explanation, without exciting suspicion as to the state of his own feelings. If, as he feared, he was indeed beloved by her, then he himself would immediately depart, and see her no more.

The next day an opportunity occurred. Fred and Gus found themselves separated from the others, and straying arm in arm through the garden.

"Who is this Ralph De Lisle, about whom they all appear to be so anxious?" inquired Fred, with affected carelessness, unconscious that he was rooting up the violets with his cane.

"A suitor of Edith's, I believe," replied Gus, indifferently.

"Ah! and a favored one, if I may judge."

"Hum! I should think so—they're to be married in a few weeks."

There was no response from his companion, and Gus went on:

"The father of this De Lisle was a Frenchman, and the intimate friend of Major Percival. When dying, he committed his son to his care, with a request that Edith and Ralph, who had always been firm friends, should be united, if they were willing, when his son attained his majority. Major Percival promised him that his request should be fulfilled; and his word with him is law unalterable. The young couple love one another, it seems; so their 'course of true love' runs smoothly enough. Edith wished to visit some friends of hers in England before she became Mrs. De Lisle, and she was returning home when you rescued her from the burning ship."