sea-kings, by whom it was pillaged and devoted to the flames. Warkworth and Dunstanborough were also alluded to by Grace, as places of considerable interest, situated a few miles distant along the coast; and Caroline avowed an intention of requesting her father to accompany her upon a pilgrimage to each of those sacred ruins before they should return to their own residence in Bedfordshire. Caroline, in return for the information afforded by Grace, gave a lively, yet somewhat satirical picture of the gay world to which she belonged; and of the manners and customs of a class of society differing so materially from any known to her companion. Miss Dudley had just completed her education at a firstrate boarding-school, and her manners possessed that finished polish and easy grace, which, mixing with refined society, seldom fail to produce; and she had also all those modern accomplishments considered so necessary in a fashionable education. But this was not all; for, in addition to those outward graces, an intellect of the highest order had been cultivated with a care greatly tending to curb without subduing the romance and enthusiasm of her character. In person, as much as in mental qualities, Caroline presented a strong contrast to Grace Darling; she was tall and elegantly formed, and her beauty was of that rare and classic character so well adapted for the study of the artist. From her mother, a native of Spain, she inherited eyes and hair of the darkest hue, and from the same source derived her ardent and romantic nature. On the other hand, Grace Darling was rather beneath than above the ordinary size of women, of a slender and graceful figure, whose easy and airy movements bespoke a light and happy heart; her countenance was remarkable for an expression of good-humoured vivacity; her dark brown hair waved in sunny ringlets; her complexion partook of that delicate shade of pink, often admired in sea-shells; whilst her soft hazel eye beamed with an expression of benevolent feeling. Notwithstanding she had passed her life in so retired a situation, shut out from all society, yet a natural desire of pleasing gave to her manners an easy and winning grace. The education she had received from her father, whilst it developed her excellent understanding, had not destroyed that childlike simplicity and freedom from all guile, which formed so amiable a part of her character; and this, as much as her intelligent sweetness, attracted and rivetted the regard of Miss Dudley. It is somewhat strange, that two beings so widely dissimilar in natural as in acquired character, as the lofty and high-born Caroline, and the gentle and humble Grace, should have been drawn together by such strong bonds of friendship; yet it may be in friendship, as in love, the heart seeks and values qualities the very opposite to those of its own. Beguiling the time in friendly converse, hour passed after hour, until at last the morning arrived which was to herald the departure of Miss Dudley, her brother, and Morrington from the island. It was not without a strong feeling of regret that Caroline prepared to take leave of the amiable Grace and her kindhearted mother. Caroline obtained a promise from Grace, sanctioned by her parents, of a long visit previous to their leaving Tynemouth. At an early hour in the morning, the weather being propitious, every thing was prepared for their departure; Mrs. Darling and Grace accompanied Caroline down to the beach, where the boat was in readiness, and by it were assembled Dudley and Morrington, who, being supplied with guns, had spent their time in rambling about the islands with William Darling. The two young men warmly shook hands with the good-humoured Mrs. Darling, who felt considerable sorrow at their departure, their frank and open-hearted manners had completely won her heart, whilst she regarded Miss Dudley with respect and admiration. Dudley again thanked Mrs. Darling in the most animated terms for her kindness; and after cordially shaking hands with Grace, he assisted his sister into the boat. Between Caroline and Grace many sorrowful adieus had been exchanged, with a promise of frequently corresponding. Mr. Darling then took his station in the boat, placing William at the helm, and there being a favourable breeze, they were soon borne away upon the bosom of the ocean. Mrs. Darling immediately returned to the house, on the boat leaving the shore, whilst Grace stood by and watched, until it became as a speck on the horizon; and when lost to her gaze, with a slow and measured step, she retraced her way to the light-house, feeling, for the first time, that she was alone. CHAPTER IV. "For I had heard of battles, and I long'd FREDERICK DUDLEY was the only son of a younger brother, descended from an ancient and powerful family, whose hereditary possessions had dwindled away with each successive generation, until at last but a small portion remained of the once princely estate, to the grandfather of Frederick Dudley. Fortune, however, blessed Mr. Dudley with a numerous family, and, through the interest of various friends, he obtained appointments for his sons in the civil and military service of his country. The eldest son, at an early age, went abroad as secretary to an embassy to the court of Vienna. The second held a high military rank; the third was post-captain in the navy; whilst the youngest, preferring retirement and literature, was a clergyman in the village of St. Leonard's, in the county of Bedfordshire. The Reverend Charles Dudley was a man of domestic habits, well adapted for the profession he had chosen, and by his zeal and attention to the duties of his sacred office, won for himself the love and esteem of his parishioners. Soon after his appointment, he married the beautiful daughter of an aged Irish officer, who had been for many years residing in an elegant mansion near the village. Miss O'Donnell was an amiable and intelligent girl, sincerely attached to Mr. Dudley; and their wedded life was such as might be expected from the union of two hearts formed by nature for each other. They had but one child, a fine high-spirited boy, and by his father he was educated in a liberal and intellectual manner. The first interruption to the happiness enjoyed by Mr. and Mrs. Dudley, was the strong predilection evinced by their son for the military profession; which predilection was probably owing, in a great measure, to the adventures related by his grandfather, Major O'Donnell. The aged major would often "fight his battles o'er again" to the wondering boy, and loved to tell of his "perils and hair-breadth 'scapes," when engaged in the East India Company's service. Major O'Donnell embarked in his military career as ensign, in a battalion commanded by the distinguished Lord Clive. Soon after entering the army, he displayed so much courage and conduct in an engagement against the rajah of Tanjore, as to attract the notice of his lordship, by whom he was ever after |