eland, but I have resolved on declining it, though I shall not at
present say so, lest he should feel any delicacy in employing me upon the
present occasion."

"Why, is the boy deranged--decline it--what have you got in the world,
that you should refuse such an appointment."

The colour mounted to my cheeks, my temples burned, and what I should
have replied to this taunt, I know not, for passion had completely
mastered me. When Lord Callonby again entered the room, his usually calm
and pale face was agitated and flushed; and his manner tremulous and
hurried; for an instant he was silent, then turning towards my uncle,
he took his hand affectionately, and said,

"My good old friend, I am deeply, deeply grieved; but we must abandon
this scheme. I have just seen my daughter, and from the few words which
we have had together, I find that her dislike to the match is invincible,
and in fact, she has obtained my promise never again to allude to it. If
I were willing to constrain the feelings of my child, you yourself would
not permit it. So here let us forget that we ever hoped for, ever
calculated on a plan in which both our hearts were so deeply interested."

These words, few as they were, were spoken with deep feeling, and for the
first time, I looked upon the speaker with sincere regard. They were
both silent for some minutes; Sir Guy, who was himself much agitated,
spoke first.

"So be it then, Callonby, and thus do I relinquish one--perhaps the only
cheering prospect my advanced age held out to me. I have long wished to
have your daughter for my niece, and since I have known her, the wish has
increased tenfold."

"It was the chosen dream of all my anticipations," said Lord Callonby,
"and now Jane's affections only--but let it pass."

"And is there then really no remedy, can nothing be struck out?"

"Nothing."

"I am not quite so sure, my Lord," said I tremulously.

"No, no, Lorrequer, you are a ready witted fellow I know, but this passes
even your ingenuity, besides I have given her my word."

"Even so."

"Why, what do you mean, speak out man," said Sir Guy, "I'll give you ten
thousand pounds on the spot if you suggest a means of overcoming this
difficulty."

"Perhaps you might not accede afterwards."

"I pledge myself to it."

"And I too," said Lord Callonby, "if no unfair stratagem be resorted to
towards my daughter. If she only give her free and willing consent, I
agree."

"Then you must bi