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"Better, far better, I had left her to perish there!" was the bitter thought that passed through Fred's mind.

"De Lisle is an immense favorite with the major;" continued Gus: "some say he appears fonder of him even than of his own son. He is the leader of a gang of tories, and a tory himself to the core of his heart. But here comes Nell—breezy and airy as ever."

"Oh, Mr. Stanley!" she exclaimed, as she came flying up to him, "we are going to have a sailing party to-morrow, and you must be sure to come. So, if you have any engagement for that day, you may just break it at once."

"I regret it is impossible for me to comply," said Fred, gravely. "I must depart to-morrow."

"Depart for where?" demanded Gus, surprised at this sudden announcement.

"To see my father. I should have gone before could I have broken the spell that bound me here!" and he bowed to Nell.

"Oh, nonsense, Mr. Stanley!" exclaimed that young lady. "You sha'n't go, and that's the end of it. Your father can wait a day or two very well. Sister, come here, and persuade Mr. Stanley to stay. He's going away, he says."