ndition she would find her way here before morning. No
scandal shall come from her. Thus you see some minutes elapsed before
I joined you; but I minded that the less as I heard you and the Captain
were already in the room with Miss Trevanion. And not, alas! dreaming
of your connection with the culprit, I was wondering what could have
delayed you so long,--afraid, I own it, to find that Miss Trevanion's
heart might have been seduced by that--hem, hem!--handsome--young--hem,
hem--There's no fear of that?" added Lord Castleton, anxiously, as he
bent his bright eyes upon mine.

I felt myself color as I answered firmly, "It is just to Miss Trevanion
to add that the unhappy man owned, in her presence and in shine, that
he had never had the slightest encouragement for his attempt,--never one
cause to believe that she approved the affection which, I try to think,
blinded and maddened himself."

"I believe you; for I think--" Lord Castleton paused uneasily, again
looked at me, rose, and walked about the room with evident agitation;
then, as if he had come to some resolution, he returned to the hearth
and stood facing me.

"My dear young friend," said he, with his irresistible kindly frankness,
"this is an occasion that excuses all things between us, even my
impertinence. Your conduct from first to last has been such that I wish,
from the bottom of my heart, that I had a daughter to offer you, and
that you felt for her as I believe you feel for Miss Trevanion. These
are not mere words; do not look down as if ashamed. All the marquisates
in the world would never give me the pride I should feel if I could see
in my life one steady self-sacrifice to duty and honor equal to that
which I have witnessed in you."

"Oh, my lord! my lord!"

"Hear me out. That you love Fanny Trevanion I know; that she may have
innocently, timidly, half-unconsciously, returned that affection, I
think probable. But--"

"I know what you would say; spare me,--I know it all."

"No! it is a thing impossible; and if Lady Ellinor could consent,
there would be such a life-long regret on her part, such a weight of
obligation on yours, that--No, I repeat, it is impossible! But let us
both think of this poor girl. I know her better than you can,--have
known her from a child; know all her virtues,--they are charming; all
her faults,--they expose her to danger. These parents of hers, with
their genius and ambition, may do very well to rule England and
influence