After leaving Dunluce she had been kept close prisoner in Toome Castle by her old step-dame, despite her father's protest, who had no more voice in his own house than a dog and was not sorry to escape from it to Castleroe.

The English soldier who had been sent to guard her was not admitted within the walls, but paced--faithful fellow--outside, within sight of her window, the only reminder she had of the happiness she had lost.

Presently rumours came that Ludar had been slain in battle; and after a while Captain Merriman came on a visit.

Happily, this time, he returned not to the violence with which he had persecuted her at Castleroe, but tried to win her by civilities which were scarcely less loathsome to her than his old rudenesses.

Amongst other things, he told her Ludar had cursed her for being his brother's murderess; and that he believed it was true, as had been reported, that the young McDonnell was slain.