success, to the despair and indignation induced by so base a
proposition, that it was some moments before Virginia Temple could
speak. Bernard mistaking the cause of her silence, deemed that she was
hesitating as to her course, and pursuing his supposed advantage, he
added, tenderly,--"Cheer, up Virginia; cheer up, my bride. I read in
those silent tears your answer. I know the struggle is hard, and I love
you the more that it is so. It is an earnest of your future constancy.
In a short time the trial will be over, and we will learn to forget our
sorrows in our love. He who is so unworthy of you will have sought in
some distant land solace for your loss, which will be easily attained by
his pliant nature. A traitor to his country, will not long mourn the
loss of his bride."

"'Tis thou who art the traitor, dissembling hypocrite," cried Virginia,
vehemently. "Think you that my silence arose from a moment's
consideration of your base proposition? I was stunned at beholding such
a monster in the human form. But I defy you yet. The governor shall
learn how the fawning favourite of his palace, tears the hand that feeds
him--and those who can protect me from your power, shall chastise your
insolence. Instead of the love and gratitude I promised, there, take my
lasting hate and scorn."

And the young girl proudly rising erect as she spoke, her eyes flashing,
but tearless, her bosom heaving with indignation, her nostrils dilated,
and her hand extended in bitter contempt towards the astonished Bernard,
shouted, "Father, father!" until the hall rung with the sound.

Happily for Alfred Bernard, Colonel Temple and his wife had left the
house for a few moments, on a visit to old Giles' cabin, the old man
having been laid up with a violent attack of the rheumatics. The wily
intriguer was for once caught in his own springe. He had overacted his
part, and had grossly mistaken the character of the brave young girl,
whom he had so basely insulted. He felt that if he lost a moment, the
house would be alarmed, and his miserable hypocrisy exposed. Rushing to
Virginia, he whispered, in an agitated voice, which he failed to control
with his usual self-command,

"For God's sake, be silent. I acknowledge I have done wrong; but I will
explain. Remember Hansford's life is in your hands. Come, now, dear
Virginia, sit you down, I will save him."

The proud expression of scorn died away from the curled lips of the
girl, and interest in her lov