it belongeth to my functions to entreat your honours' compliance
with this headling overture."

"Never!" answered Lady Ashton, whose rage had now overcome her first
surprise and terror--"never shall this man speak in private with my
daughter, the affianced bride of another! pass from this room who will,
I remain here. I fear neither his violence nor his weapons, though some,"
she said, glancing a look towards Colonel Ashton, "who bear my name
appear more moved by them."

"For God's sake, madam," answered the worthy divine, "add not fuel to
firebrands. The Master of Ravenswood cannot, I am sure, object to your
presence, the young lady's state of health being considered, and your
maternal duty. I myself will also tarry; peradventure my grey hairs may
turn away wrath."

"You are welcome to do so, sir," said Ravenswood; "and Lady Ashton is
also welcome to remain, if she shall think proper; but let all others
depart."

"Ravenswood," said Colonel Ashton, crossing him as he went out, "you
shall account for this ere long."

"When you please," replied Ravenswood.

"But I," said Bucklaw, with a half smile, "have a prior demand on your
leisure, a claim of some standing."

"Arrange it as you will," said Ravenswood; "leave me but this day in
peace, and I will have no dearer employment on earth to-morrow than to
give you all the satisfaction you can desire."

The other gentlemen left the apartment; but Sir William Ashton lingered.

"Master of Ravenswood," he said, in a conciliating tone, "I think I have
not deserved that you should make this scandal and outrage in my family.
If you will sheathe your sword, and retire with me into my study, I will
prove to you, by the most satisfactory arguments, the inutility of your
present irregular procedure----"

"To-morrow, sir--to-morrow--to-morrow, I will hear you at length,"
reiterated Ravenswood, interrupting him; "this day hath its own sacred
and indispensable business."

He pointed to the door, and Sir William left the apartment.

Ravenswood sheathed his sword, uncocked and returned his pistol to his
belt; walked deliberately to the door of the apartment, which he bolted;
returned, raised his hat from his forehead, and gazing upon Lucy with
eyes in which an expression of sorrow overcame their late fierceness,
spread his dishevelled locks back from his face, and said, "Do you know
me, Miss Ashton? I am still Edgar Ravenswood." She was silent, and he
went on with increasing ve