CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VII.
Sir Henry entertained not the least doubt of its being Ferrand who hadtaken Louise; nor, from his general character, but that he wouldendeavour to retain her, though in open defiance to the Governor'scommand. That he was devoid of principle or honour, he had given anindubitable proof, in his intended assassination of Harland; nor wouldthe affair, Sir Henry apprehended, yet end without an effusion of blood.The courage of Sir Henry was cool but constant: an injury offered tohimself, the benevolence of his disposition would induce him rather topardon than resent; but this outrage to a sister he sincerely lovedaffected him more keenly; and he determined, should Ferrand prove theaggressor, to hazard, or even lose his life, to effect her liberation.With his mind absorbed in a labyrinth of conjectures, and plans for hisprocedure, he arrived at the Governor's country residence, and, oninquiring for Ferrand, was shown into a library.
The East-Indian received him with a constrained civility; which,however, ceased on learning the purport of his visit: and, in answer toSir Henry's demand, if his sister were there? he haughtily replied, hewas not answerable to any one for his conduct, nor would he bequestioned like a school-boy, or dictated to!
"It is not my intention, Sir," said Sir Henry loftily, "to dictate toyou; for my question, if you refuse to answer it, your servants, I doubtnot, will give the information I want: if not, I shall proceed to theexecutive part of my commission."
Ferrand bit his lip, and, stamping with passion, exclaimed, "Whatfarther insults am I to receive? I have been rejected by a proud menial;my love contemned; insulted by a rival; reproved for my just vengeance,and treated as a prisoner!—and now—on what authority is the finger ofsuspicion pointed at me? Search the fleet; you may, perhaps, find herwith some of her gallant countrymen!"
As he uttered the last sentence, he flung from the room, leaving SirHenry to proceed as he should think proper. Sir Henry was not long indetermining: he summoned the attendants, and, showing the Governor'sorder, demanded to be admitted into every apartment. But Louise was notto be found; and Sir Henry at last was persuaded she was not in thepower of Ferrand. The suspicion too that she might have been torn awayby some of the French officers who daily visited the Marchioness, addedto his perplexity. Had Ferrand, he thought, been guilty, he would ratherhave braved the action; but, on the contrary, he appeared whollyactuated by rage at his restriction.
Uncertain how to act, or where to proceed to recover Louise, he returnedto the Marchioness's, where the impatient Harland had unwillingly