The Worshipful Master.

THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER .

BY BEO . EMEA HOLMES , F . R . H . S ., Author of "Amabel Yaughan , " "Notes on the United Orders of the Temple and Hospital , " etc .

CHAPTER IV . THE BEGATTA . QT . MERVIN regatta was a great success . The joy bells from the old church ^ J tower rang at intervals all day long . The day was gloriouswith a

splen-, did breeze from the north-west . All the ships in the harbour were dressed with the flags of all nations ; steamers brought multitudes of passengers from Plymouth and Falmouth ; and a band was discoursing sweet music in the committee boat at intervals . The royal standard floated from the Castle Tower , looking very grand , etc ., imposing and inspiring some innocent folk with the belief that royalty was present somewhere that day .

Lord . Esine ' s yacht , flying the white ensign , as belonging to the Royal Yacht Squadron , whose special privilege it is to have that distinctive ri ght , with a multitude of other yachts , whose owners seemed to belong to all the known clubs in England , so various where the flags they displayed ; the fishing fleet , with dun sails shining in the sun , from the neighbouring ports , which put inthey saidbecause it was calm outside—orat leastthat the wind was

, , , , not favourable—but really no doubt glad to get in to see the sport ; and a multitude of boats of all sorts and sizes full of merry Cornish folk bent on pleasure , moving here and there at- tho imminent peril of their lives , sometimes , as the racing yachts came by sailing close to the wind , and expecting every one to keep out of their way . All these made a picture oE life , and colour , and beauty not easily to be forgotten .

Henry had brought his friend , Lord Esme , up to the rectory directl y he arrived ; had introduced him to his uncle , a tall , rather pompons and selfopinionated , but really good sort of fellow ; and the young nobleman soon bettered the acquaintance with his friend ' s aunt and fair cousin .

" What do you think of Lord Earsdon ' s son ? " said Mrs . Penhaligon , as tho two men left . She had long since turned to the Peerage , and found out all about him , you may be sure . " Oh , I don't know . He has a nice face , but looks rather effeminate ; besides , he is short . " Asellya herself was five feet nine inches , but had a very graceful carriage ,

which carried off her height . " He has very distinguished manners , " said her mother . " Yes ; and says ' vewy for very . ' Oh , he ' s a regular swell , mother . I don't like swells . " Whatever our heroine ' s first opinion was it certainly required to be modified ; and the Guinevere had not been in three days before Asellva was forced to confess to her friend , Jenefer Rowatt , that she liked Lord Esme Earsdon very much .