The King's Highway

and low, angry clouds hung over the distant line of the sea, when, under the shelter of some low-br

som of the ocean as if with a suppressed sob. The three persons we have mentioned were standing together close at the foot of the rocks; and, though there was nothing in their demeanour which would imply that they were seeking concealment by the points and angles of the cliff,-for they spoke lou

other. The one had a cloak thrown over his arm, and a blue handkerchief bound round his left hand. His dress in other respects was that of a military man of the period; a long-waisted, broad-tailed coat, with a good deal of gold lace and many large

thal some shrewdness in its quick twinkle. The countenance was a good one; the features handsome, though a little coarse; and if it was not altogether prepossessing, the abatement was made on account of a certain indescribable look of dissipation-not absolutely to say debauchery, b

ome, fine-looking man; and there was certainly in his countenance that i

as not perfectly at his ease, or perfectly sure of the man to whom he spoke. In general, he did not look at him, though he gazed straight forward; but, as is very frequently the case with us all, when we are

ing an air of distinction which the other might have possessed also, had it not been considerably diminished by the certain gay and swaggering look which we have already noticed. His dress was no

non, there mingled with what he was saying in sweet and placid words, some bitter and sarcasti

countenance in dark wavy curls; and while he held the taller of the two gentlemen by the hand, he gazed forward over the wide melancholy sea, which came rolling up towards their feet, with a look full of thought, and perhaps of anxiety. There was certainly grief in that gaze; for the b

s to take notice of that t

st his life into the bargain, I should not much care for my part. On my honour and soul, it does seem to me a strange thing, that here poor Morton, who would have done service to everybody on earth, who was as good as he was brave, and as clever as he was good, should fall at the very first shot, and I go through the whole business with nothing but this scratch of the hand. I did my best to get myself killed, too; for I will swear that I was the last man upon our part that left the bank of the Boyne. But just as half a dozen

eath, if you are sure he is killed, you are the direct heir to an

died in my arms? Would it not have been a nice thing now, if I had been killed too? There would have been none between you and the earldom then. Upon my life, I think you ought to have it: it would jus

ugh, Heaven knows, you'll do no good to any one, the earldom will do no good to you, and the usurper, perhaps, may do much good to the country. But had either of

be ungrateful, cousin mine; I thank you for the money with all my heart and soul; but I cannot think that you have run yourself so hard as that either; you must have m

eplied the other, with his brows darkening. "I suppose yo

I know you can fight well enough when it suits your purpose. As for that matter, I might think myself a fool for fi

ard," replied the other

usand priests busily engaged in telling their hearers, that love, glory, avarice, and ambition are nothing but-bubbles! So I am but playing the same game as the rest. I wish to Heaven the boat would come round though, for I am begi

r a moment, however, the shorter of the two spoke, with his eyes still fixed on the child, and th

understand he is not mine.-It is a friend's c

rejoined his companion: "it needs no marria

must do what I can for him, though Heaven knows what I am to do either for him or myself.

er be her rank, she is most likely as rich as you a

her. The boy has never known anything about her either, so that woul

boat was seen rounding the little point that we have mentioned; and the two cousins, with the boy, descended to the water's edge. During the few mi

one; "you have not failed me at this

anded the other, "in case that anything sh

cousin.-Come, Wilton, my boy; come, here's the boat! Thank God we have not much baggage to embark.-Now, my man," he continued, speaking to one of t

e boy in his arms, and waved his hand to his cous

g upon his lip; but after thus pausing for a minute or two, he turned upon his heel, walked up a narrow path to the top of the cliff, and mounting a horse which was held for him b