e for her--and if she consents, why the marriage settlements
may be drawn up--at once and the ceremony performed."

"Let me see," he replied. "That won't do. I will never marry off poor
Tommy upon a speculation which may never after all be realized. No,
no--I'm awake there; but I'll tell you what--produce me those letters
from the physician or physicians who attended her; then, should Tom give
her consent, the settlements may be drawn up, and they can lie unsigned
until the girl dies--and then let them be married. Curse me, I'm an old
scoundrel again, however, as to that the whole world is nothing but one
great and universal scoundrel, and it is nothing but to see Tom the wife
of a gentleman in feeling, manners, and bearing, that I consent even to
this conditional arrangement."

"Well," replied the lady, "be it so; it is as much as either of us can
do under the circumstances."

Ay, and more than we ought to do. I never was without a conscience; but
of all the poor pitiful scoundrels of a conscience that ever existed, it
was the greatest. But why should I blame it? It loved me too well; for,
after some gentle rebukes when I was about to do a rascally act, it
quietly withdrew all opposition and left me to my own will."

"Ah, we all know you too well, my lord, to take your own report of your
own character. However, I am glad that matters have proceeded so far.
I shall do what your lordship wishes as to the opinions of the medical
men. The lawyers, with our assistance, will manage the settlements."

"Yes; but this arrangement must be kept a secret from Tom, because if
she knew of it she would knock up the whole project."

"She shall not from me, my lord."

"Nor from me, I promise you that. But now for another topic. I am glad
your son had nothing to do with the dreadful chase of that unfortunate
Shawn-na-Middogue; he pledged his honor to Tom that he would rather
protect than injure him."

"So, my lord, he would, ever since his conversation with Miss Riddle on
the subject."

This, indeed, was very honestly said, inasmuch as it was she herself who
had furnished him with the mask and other of the disguises.

"Well, I think so; and I believe him to be a gentleman, certainly.
This unfortunate tory saved Tom's life and mine the other night;
but, independently of that, Mrs. Lindsay, no son of yours should have
anything to do in his pursuit or capture. You understand me. It is my
intention to try what I can do to get him