The next thing is that the Vicar went to him two hours ago.

Further than that I have not heard.' 'It is quite enough.

I will see the Vicar at daybreak to-morrow.' 'What to do ?' 'Stop his tongue for four-and-twenty years--till I am dead at ninety-four, like the shepherd.' 'Your Grace--while you impose silence on me, I will not speak, even though nay neck should pay the penalty.

I promised to be yours, and I am yours.

But is this persistence of any avail ?' 'I'll stop his tongue, I say!' cried the Duke with some of his old rugged force.