Oh, believe me, sir, that it was all good! All that a father's heart could hope or wish for! It was all loyal! That she spoke it to me was perhaps because I was almost a stranger with whom there was no previous barrier to confidence." Here I paused.

It was hard to go on; and I feared lest I might, in my zeal, do Margaret a disservice.

The relief of the strain came from her father.
"And you ?" "Sir, Miss Trelawny is very sweet and beautiful! She is young; and her mind is like crystal! Her sympathy is a joy! I am not an old man, and my affections were not engaged.

They never had been till then.

I hope I may say as much, even to a father!" My eyes involuntarily dropped.
When I raised them again Mr.Trelawny was still gazing at me keenly.
All the kindliness of his nature seemed to wreath itself in a smile as he held out his hand and said: "Malcolm Ross, I have always heard of you as a fearless and honourable gentleman.