you not agree to this arrangement?" said De Guy, with a smile, which
was meant to soften the hard question.

"True, I did," replied Jaspar, with a whining sullenness. "What would
you have of me now?"

"Only that you fulfil the stipulations of the bargain."

"Can I fulfil them? Can I marry you, even if the girl were willing?"

"You can give your commands. Will she not obey them?"

"Fool if she does!" muttered Jaspar, in a low tone.

"She will be so glad to be restored to her home, I fancy she will not
think the terms are hard."

"I don't know," said Jaspar, eying the attorney from head to foot. "I
consent to the marriage. I can do no more."

"Perhaps you will be willing to use a little gentle force, to save your
own neck," said the attorney, with something like a sneer.

"Anything, anything, that will silence your damning tongue, and rid me
of your teasing!"

"Now, sir, you are reasonable."

"Summon the girl," said Jaspar, impatiently. "I will say all I have to
say in a few words. But, if she foils you, it is not my fault."

"True sir; but Miss Dumont, at this critical juncture of her affairs,
will have respect for your counsels;" and the attorney withdrew to call
her.

Emily entered the abode of her early years, and the memories of the past
came crowding thick upon her. She seemed to realize that her sorrows
were near an end, but the hope which such a pleasant thought inspired
could not entirely overcome the gloom which the scene around her was
calculated to produce. It was here she had often rambled with her
father, and a thousand trivial incidents presented themselves to remind
her of him.

As she entered the house, she clung to the arm of Vernon, as though she
was entering the abode of evil spirits; for, with all the memories of
the past, she could not forget that the home of her childhood was
inhabited by her inhuman uncle.

She had been but a short time seated in the old, familiar drawing-room,
like a stranger now, when De Guy entered, to request her presence in the
library. She rose, and looked at Vernon, who, understanding the glance,
approached, as if to bear her company.

"This gentleman had better remain here," suggested De Guy.

"I prefer that he should attend me," said Emily, firmly, even while her
heart rose to her throat, at the thought of meeting her uncle.

"But really, madam, his presence would embarrass the business of the
interview."

"He is a friend," stammered Emily, "and is