had returned, would justify the lover in deserting the girl; but
that he perceived that Neville had already allowed himself to entertain
the plea. The whole affair had in the priest's estimation been full of
peril; but then the prize to be won was very great! From the first he
had liked the young man, and had not doubted,--did not now doubt,--but
that if once married he would do justice to his wife. Even though
Kate should fail and should come out of the contest with a scorched
heart,--and that he had thought more than probable,--still the prize was
very high and the girl he thought was one who could survive such a blow.
Latterly, in that respect he had changed his opinion. Kate had shewn
herself to be capable of so deep a passion that he was now sure that
she would be more than scorched should the fire be one to injure and
not to cherish her. But the man's promises had been so firm, so often
reiterated, were so clearly written, that the priest had almost dared to
hope that the thing was assured. Now, alas, he perceived that the embryo
English lord was already looking for a means of escape, and already
thought that he had found it in this unfortunate return of the father.
The whole extent of the sorrow even the priest did not know. But he was
determined to fight the battle to the very last. The man should make the
girl his wife, or he, Father Marty, parish priest of Liscannor, would
know the reason why. He was a man who was wont to desire to know the
reason why, as to matters which he had taken in hand. But when he heard
the words which Neville spoke and marked the tone in which they were
uttered he felt that the young man was preparing for himself a way of
escape.

"I don't see that it should make any difference," he said shortly.

"If the man be disreputable,--"

"The daughter is not therefore disreputable. Her position is not
changed."

"I have to think of my friends."

"You should have thought of that before you declared yourself to her,
Mr. Neville." How true this was now, the young man knew better than
the priest, but that, as yet, was his own secret. "You do not mean to
tell me that because the father is not all that he should be, she is
therefore to be thrown over. That cannot be your idea of honour. Have
you not promised that you would make her your wife?" The priest stopped
for an answer, but the young man made him none. "Of course you have
promised her."

"I suppose she has told you so."

"To whom s