courier, bespoke how rapidly the journey had been performed. Two billets were presented to Caroline-one from her father, and the other she recognised as the writing of her lover; the latter she deposited in a place of security, till unobserved she could peruse its contents, and hastily broke the seal of the other. The major wrote less sanguinely than she had expected, appearing to have found more obstacles to their mission than had at first been anticipated. Charles was a close prisoner in the castle of Madrid. As yet they had been denied an interview with him; and the friend on whose influence Clanranald had mainly relied, was absent from the city. On the following week his return was expected, when his power, they trusted, would effectually be exercised in their service. The major, however, had received an assurance from the governor at the castle, that every attention requisite to his situation was paid to their relative, who was fast recovering from his wounds. A strict prohibition existed against the prisoner receiving any written communication, yet an intimation was conveyed to him of the arrival of his friends, and the efforts they were making to procure his freedom. The major concluded by requesting Caroline not to allow her spirits to droop, assuring her he was well, and thought the exertions he had made had aroused his long dormant energies. The conduct of the earl he could not praise in terms sufficiently high; it was such as only could be dictated by the

Were

most noble and generous nature. Charles restored to freedom, all he would desire was to see her united to a man so very deserving of her hand and heart.

Notwithstanding this eulogium on her lover, regret and disappointment were the principal feelings in the breast of Caroline. The marquis had also received a communication from their friends. He addressed Caroline in a cheerful tone, observing that the difficulties encountered were only such as might have been expected; he did not doubt but a few weeks would witness the arrival of their friends at the castle, accompanied by the truant. I trust, continued the marquis, that Charles has sheathed his sword for ever, unless. called upon to draw it for defending the right of his native land. It has been to me a source of reflection, that I did not more strenuously combat the desire of Charles to engage in this war. However, it is now too late for regrets on that subject. I know, Caroline, that what I am going to communicate will yield you pleasure. I have determined upon acceding to the wishes of your father, that we should all proceed to England; and ere many months, we shall, I trust, hail the shores of Albion.

Caroline assured the marquis of the delight which she really felt at this intelligence; and retiring to her boudoir, she anxiously drew forth the letter of the earl. A tide of grateful feelings dimmed her eyes as she carefully perused its contents; so flattering, so kindly considerate of her feelings was the earl, that

she felt, if that were possible, still more attached; and that such love as his demanded in return every thought of her future existence. Ere Caroline had joined her friends, she had answered the letters of her correspondents, and the style of her reply to the earl must have satisfied even his fastidious heart. Additional letters were received from Madrid at various intervals, but they brought with them no grateful tidings. The release of Charles appeared an object as distant as ever, even the efforts of the powerful Colonel

having proved unavailing. The prowess of Charles had been but too well known to the enemy, and the fame he had earned served but to rivet more strongly his fetters.

Amongst the favourite ministers of the queen was a noble, to whom, many years previously, the marquis had rendered a considerable service. This occurrence had totally passed from the mind of the marquis, until the name of this nobleman recalled the circumstance. To resolve and act were one thing with the marquis. The next morning he started for Madrid, intending to solicit the interference of this minister in behalf of his nephew. It was during his absence that Count Werner, Constance Lavinia, and her friend the Countess Wilna arrived at the - castle of Santalina. Their unexpected visit for a time diverted the marchioness and Caroline from their anxiety, by presenting a new subject for thought and discussion.When Caroline learned from Constance a

history of the trials and sorrows she had experienced throughout life, with her commiseration, were mingled mental thanks that she had not been called upon to endure similar vicissitudes. She sincerely rejoiced in the hope that their misfortunes were passed, and that the future of Constance and Werner might be as happy as their early years had been unfortunate. Caroline and Constance parted with mutual regret, and expectations were entertained of a meeting in England at no distant period. Alas! how fallacious were those hopes; and when Caroline pressed the warm hand of Constance, she did not dream how fatal her native shores would prove to Werner and his fair betrothed. Nor did Caroline deem that the event which would ter minate their earthly career, would prove so bright an era in the existence of the obscure island maiden she so often remembered, through the mist of time, with a crowd of grateful recollections.

The

No feeling save one could, however, long occupy the mind of Caroline. With corroding anxiety she waited each day, hoping the next might bring relief from her cares. thought of her brother, sick and in prison, was never a moment absent; and the knowledge was most painful, that no friend was permitted to see him to administer to his comfort, or endeavour to divert the langour engendered by disease. by disease. When she felt the pure fresh air fanning her brow, how did she sicken at the idea, this was a blessing from

which he was debarred. The buoyant, volatile Charles, to whom a day's restraint had ever been the greatest punishment, shut up from the pure breath of heaven within a grated cell, was a retrospection fraught with distress.

The endeavours of the marquis had been equally ineffectual with those of the major and the earl. Even the omnipotence of wealth had on this occasion failed. By means of a powerful bribe, an interview had, however, been permitted with the captive during the secresy of midnight. Charles was found much emaciated from sickness and confinement, but his spirits and resolution apparently were unbroken. He smiled with pleasure on recognising the earl, begging him to comfort his father and sister, and not to allow them to despair of his liberation. Shortly afterwards Charles was removed from Madrid, but where his prison was now situated the major and his friends were unable to learn, and the motives which had caused this arrangement were also inexplicable.