ou considered what I
proposed to you yesterday?"

"Yes," replied I; "and I will agree to this. Let Sir Henry give me
my liberty, come over to England, prove his relationship to Fleta,
and I will give her up. What can he ask for more?"

"He will hardly consent to that," replied Melchior; "for, once in
England, you will take a warrant out against him."

"No; on my honour I will not, Melchior."

"He will not trust to that."

"Then he must judge of others by himself," replied I.

"Have you no other terms to propose," replied Melchior.

"None."

"Then I will carry your message, and give you his answer to-morrow."

Melchior then brought in another basket, and took away the former, and
did not make his appearance till the next day. I now had recovered my
strength, and determined to take some decided measures, but how to act
I knew not. I reflected all night, and the next morning (that is,
according to my supposition) I attacked the basket. Whether it was that
ennui or weakness occasioned it, I cannot tell, but either way, I drank
too much wine, and was ready for any daring deed, when Melchior again
the door.

"Sir Henry will not accept of your terms. I thought not," said Melchior,
"I am sorry--very sorry."

"Melchior," replied I, starting up; "let us have no more of this
duplicity. I am not quite so ignorant as you suppose. I know who Fleta
is, and who you are."

"Indeed," replied Melchior; "perhaps you will explain?"

"I will. You, Melchior, are Sir Henry de Clare; you succeeded to your
estates by the death of your elder brother, from a fall when hunting."

Melchior appeared astonished.

"Indeed!" replied he; "pray go on. You have made a gentleman of me."

"No; rather a scoundrel."

"As you please; now will you make a lady of Fleta?"

"Yes, I will. She is your niece." Melchior started back. "Your agent,
M'Dermott, who was sent over to find out Fleta's abode, met me in the
coach, and he has tracked me here, and risked my life, by telling the
people that I was a tithe proctor."

"Your information is very important," replied Melchior, "You will find
some difficulty to prove all you say."

"Not the least," replied I, flushed with anger and with wine, "I have
proof positive. I have seen her mother, and I can identify the child by
the necklace which was on her neck when you stole her."

"Necklace!" cried Melchior.

"Yes, the necklace put into my hands by your own wife when we parted."

"Damn her!" repl