ever I give this joint bond to Miss Nugent, without you
along with me. Leave Lady Clonbrony here to sign these papers. Terry
will witness them properly, and you come along with me.'

'And pray, my lord,' said her ladyship, 'order the carriage to the
door; for, as soon as you have my signature, I hope you'll let me off to
Buxton.'

'Oh, certainly--the carriage is ordered--everything ready, my dear.'

'And pray tell Grace to be ready,' added Lady Clonbrony.

'That's not necessary; for she is always ready,' said Lord Clonbrony.
'Come, Colambre,' added he, taking his son under the arm, and carrying
him up to Miss Nugent's dressing-room.

They knocked, and were admitted.

'Ready!' said Lord Clonbrony; 'ay, always ready--so I said. Here's
Colambre, my darling,' continued he, 'has secured your fortune to you to
my heart's content; but he would not condescend to come up to tell you
so, till I made him. Here's the bond; put your hand to it, Colambre; you
were ready enough to do that when it cost you something; and now, all I
have to ask of you is, to persuade her to marry out of hand, that I
may see her happy before I die. Now my heart's at ease! I can meet Mr.
Salisbury with a safe conscience. One kiss, my little Grace. If anybody
can persuade you, I'm sure it's that man that's now leaning against
the mantelpiece. It's Colambre's will, or your heart's not made like
mine--so I leave you.'

And out of the room walked he, leaving his poor son in as awkward,
embarrassing, and painful a situation, as could well be conceived. Half
a dozen indistinct ideas crossed his mind; quick conflicting feelings
made his heart beat and stop. And how it would have ended, if he had
been left to himself, whether he would have stood or fallen, have spoken
or have continued silent, can never now be known, for all was decided
without the action of his will. He was awakened from his trance by these
simple words from Miss Nugent--

'I'm much obliged to you, cousin Colambre--more obliged to you for
your kindness in thinking of me first, in the midst of all your other
business, than by your securing my fortune. Friendship--and your
friendship--is worth more to me than fortune. May I believe that is
secured?'

'Believe it! Oh, Grace, can you doubt it?'

'I will not; it would make me too unhappy. I will not.'

'You need not.'

'That is enough--I am satisfied--I ask no farther explanation. You are
truth itself--one word from you is security suf