different manner
of Monsieur Martigny's absence, and my own intimacy with her, and
thus superseded him, if possible, in the damsel's affections. The
scheme I adopted, though there was, I think, both boldness and
dexterity in it, was that of a novice of premature genius, who could
not calculate chances. So much for repentance.--Do I not fear the
future?--Harry, I will not cut your throat for supposing you to have
put the question, but calmly assure you, that I never feared any
thing in my life. I was born without the sensation, I believe; at
least, it is perfectly unknown to me. When I felt that cursed wheel
pass across my breast, when I felt the pistol-ball benumb my arm, I
felt no more agitation than at the bounce of a champagne-cork. But I
would not have you think that I am fool enough to risk plague,
trouble, and danger, all of which, besides considerable expense, I
am now prepared to encounter, without some adequate motive,--and
here it is.

"From various quarters, hints, rumours, and surmises have reached
me, that an attack will be made on my rank and status in society,
which can only be in behalf of this fellow Martigny, (for I will not
call him by his stolen name of Tyrrel.) Now, this I hold to be a
breach of the paction betwixt us, by which--that is, by that which I
am determined to esteem its true meaning and purport--he was to
leave my right honourable father and me to settle our own matters
without his interference, which amounted to a virtual resignation of
his rights, if the scoundrel ever had any. Can he expect I am to
resign my wife, and what is a better thing, old Scrogie Mowbray's
estate of Nettlewood, to gratify the humour of a fellow who sets up
claims to my title and whole property? No, by ----! If he assails me
in a point so important, I will retaliate upon him in one where he
will feel as keenly; and that he may depend upon.--And now,
methinks, you come upon me with a second edition of your grave
remonstrances, about family feuds, unnatural rencontres, offence to
all the feelings of all the world, et cetera, et cetera, which you
might usher in most delectably with the old stave about brethren
dwelling together in unity. I will not stop to enquire, whether all
these delicate apprehensions are on account of the Earl of
Etherington, his safety, and his reputa