All rights of Translation and property in the LOYALIST'S DAUGHTER are reserved for the Author. J. SWIFT, Regent Press, 55, King Street, Regent Street, W. THE LOYALIST'S DAUGHTER. CHAPTER I. 'Tis much, that this contentious sterm Invades us to the skin so 'tis to thee; The lesser is scarce felt. When the mind's free, The body's delicate: the tempest in my mind Doth from my senses take all feeling else, LONG after midnight, but before the dreary dawning of a dull, rainy morning in December, 1688, might be seen obscurely descending in deep silence a private back staircase of Whitehall three female figures, all muffled in coarse cloaks with the hoods drawn over their heads. The ample folds of these cloaks concealed their persons. The first was supported by a sailor in a rough weather-proof coat, which defied the pitiless night; he was followed by the other two women, who betrayed fear and VOL. I. B alarm, and started at every echo of their own footsteps. These four were preceded by a sturdy seaman, enveloped in a stout warm Flushing-jacket, with a lantern in his hand. He was to the eye of a keen observer well armed. His glance was piercing, restless, and even anxious. The slight small figure, delicate features, fair hair, and fair complexion of the other sailor were strangely contrasted with the rough garb, under which, to an observant eye, they were only partially concealed. The whole party were evidently prepared for some adventure of difficulty and danger. This They had now descended a flight of steps, and passed through a long passage so narrow that they could only proceed separately. passage was terminated by a secret door, through which they passed into a private chapel, the faint glimmering of the vigil lamp dimly revealed to them the interior. Prostrating themselves before the altar in deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, the fugitives, after a short mental prayer to their Saviour and their God, for protection and guidance, passed on to a side altar (in a richly decorated recess), dedicated to Our Lady. They gazed devoutly on a beautiful statue of the Madonna, and falling reverently on their knees, implored her whom it brought before their eyes to pray to her Divine Son for them and those most dear to them. Softly and often was the familiar response 66 ora pro nobis " murmured. To one of the worshippers especially was the invocation of Mary most sweet, and so absorbed was she in her orisons, that her companion failed to recall her from her reverie before she had breathed forth a touching hymn to her whom she revered above all. While the conflict of the elements, the wild howl of the yelling mob, and the unhallowed fires of the rioters desecrated the night, abroad, within, all is hushed into hope and peace. Scarcely had the "Ave" broke on the solemn stillness of the place and hour, when the thoughtful conductor of the little party suddenly left the chapel, and was heard to retrace his steps; he, however, soon returned with joy and satisfaction in his countenance, and as the last melodious strains of the holy hymn died away, he beckoned them to follow him. The foremost female seemed riveted to the spot, and reluctant to tear herself away; but after a violent effort arose from her knees, and taking with deep reverence some precious emblems of the faith |