not accept it," she said. "You are only inventing such an office
in order to give a home to me and Norah."

"I can assure you, madam, that the thought is not a new one to me
-- I have often wished that there was a lady in the castle. One
who would see after the wives and families of the vassals; and
I should feel myself under a real obligation to you if you would
fill the place. You see, madam, it would cost me nothing, for food
and drink there is in abundance. I have two splendid horses, given
me by the Duc d'Enghien, standing idle in their stalls. I shall
be happy in knowing that my tenants would be well looked after, and
shall be glad indeed that you and your daughter, my countrywomen,
should, for the present at any rate, have a home."

The tears were streaming down the lady's face.

"Accept, mother," the girl said, putting her hand on her shoulder.
"Surely God sent this gentleman to our rescue when we were very
near death. Why should we not accept this fresh kindness at his
hands?"

Her mother looked up. "My daughter has chosen for me, Colonel
Campbell. I accept your offer with the deepest thankfulness. Were
I to refuse now, the time might come when I should be reduced to
such straits that for my daughter's sake I should bitterly regret
that I had refused your generous offer; therefore I accept it,
and thank you from the bottom of my heart."

"I do not wish you to see it in that light," he said with a smile.
"At best it is but an arrangement for our mutual advantage, and