Louisa!'

A second look from Miss Bellew decided the matter; and as a flush of
pleasure coloured my cheek, I shook Dillon warmly by the hand, and
promised to accept his invitation.

'That is like a really good fellow,' said the little man, with a face
sparkling with pleasure. 'Now, what say you, if we drive over for you
about two o'clock? The girls are coming in to make some purchases, and
we shall all drive out together.'

This arrangement, so very palatable to me, was agreed upon, and I now
took Miss Bellow's arm to lead her to the carriage. On descending to
the hall a delay of a few minutes ensued, as the number of vehicles
prevented the carriage coming up. The weather appeared to have changed;
and it was now raining heavily, and blowing a perfect storm.

As the fitful gusts of wind howled along the dark corridors of the old
building, dashing the rain upon our faces even where we stood, I drew my
fair companion closer to my side, and held her cloak more firmly round
her. What a moment was that! Her arm rested on mine; her very tresses
were blown each moment across my cheek. I know not what I said, but I
felt that in the tones of my voice they were the utterings of my heart
that fell from my lips. I had not remembered that Mr. Dillon had already
placed his daughters in the carriage, and was calling to us loudly to
follow.

'No, no, I pray you not!' said Louisa, in reply to I know not what.
'Don't you hear my uncle?'

In her anxiety to press forward she had slightly disengaged her arm from
mine as she spoke. At this instant a man rushed forward, and catching
her hand, drew it rudely within his arm, calling out as he did so--

'Never fear, Louisa! you shall not be insulted while your cousin is here
to protect you.'

She sprang round to reply: 'You are mistaken, Ulick! It is Mr. Hinton!'
She could say no more, for he lifted her into the carriage, and, closing
the door with a loud bang, desired the coachman to drive on.

Stupefied with amazement, I stood quite motionless. My first impulse was
to strike him to the ground; for although a younger and a weaker man, I
felt within me at the moment the strength to do it. My next thought was
of Louisa's warning not to quarrel with her cousin. The struggle was
indeed a severe one, but I gained the victory over my passion. Unable,
however, to quit the spot, I stood with my arms folded, and my eyes
riveted upon him. He returned my stare, and with a sneer of insufferable
i