ore especially as her brother
grew morose, and even menacing, as days slipt on, and she could give no
clue to the retreat of those whom he sought for. Her debts, too, were
really urgent. As Randal's profound knowledge of human infirmity had
shrewdly conjectured, the scruples of honor and pride, that had made her
declare she would not bring to a husband her own incumbrances, began to
yield to the pressure of necessity. She listened already, with but faint
objections, when Randal urged her not to wait for the uncertain discovery
that was to secure her dowry, but by a private marriage with Frank escape
at once into freedom and security. While, though he had first held out to
young Hazeldean the inducement of Beatrice's dowry as reason of
self-justification in the eyes of the Squire, it was still easier to drop
that inducement, which had always rather damped than fired the high spirit
and generous heart of the poor Guardsman. And Randal could conscientiously
say, that when he had asked the Squire if he expected fortune with Frank's
bride, the Squire had replied, "I don't care." Thus encouraged by his
friend and his own heart, and the softening manner of a woman who might
have charmed many a colder, and fooled many a wiser man, Frank rapidly
yielded to the snares held out for his perdition. And though as yet he
honestly shrank from proposing to Beatrice or himself a marriage without
the consent, and even the knowledge, of his parents, yet Randal was quite
content to leave a nature, however good, so thoroughly impulsive and
undisciplined, to the influences of the first strong passion it had ever
known. Meanwhile, it was easy to dissuade Frank from even giving a hint to
the folks at home. "For," said the wily and able traitor, "though we may
be sure of Mrs. Hazeldean's consent, and her power over your father, when
the step is once taken, yet we cannot count for certain on the Squire--he
is so choleric and hasty. He might hurry to town--see Madame di Negra,
blurt out some compassionate, rude expressions which would wake her
resentment, and cause her instant rejection. And it might be too late if
he repented afterwards--as he would be sure to do."

Meanwhile Randal Leslie gave a dinner at the Clarendon Hotel (an
extravagance most contrary to his habits), and invited Frank, Mr.
Borrowell, and Baron Levy.

But this house-spider, which glided with so much ease after its flies,
through webs so numerous and mazy, had yet to amuse Mad