but I leave the best hopes of a life behind me in quitting England. Henceforth my father's house will be desolate. Two nights ago I visited those noble halls for the last time. I heard that the court minion into whose hands they have passed had given orders that they should be pulled down. Heaven knows where those stately portraits will be displayed on which I have so often gazed, some legend of knightly faith attached to each!—to what base uses will those time-honoured arches, those windows of coloured light, those panels of carved oak, be applied! Francesca, this must seem strange weakness to you; but there is not a stone in those old walls, about to be levelled with the ground, which has not some association of gone-by hope and lingering memory that wind round the heart, despite of every effort to forget them."
"And why forget?" replied Francesca. "We shall love to talk of England in the far country to which we are hastening."
The conversation was here interrupted by a burst of thunder above their heads, and a huge wave dashing over the deck, while the vessel reeled beneath the shock.
"Better take the lady below," said a sailor.
Francesca cast an imploring look upon Evelyn. "Let me stay by your side—I am not afraid!"
