"He is already a man of sorrows; and what would he think were I capable of entertaining a suit so likely to add to them?
Besides, I could not tell you, if I would, where he is now to be found.

My letters reach him from time to time, by means of my aunt Christian; but of his address I am entirely ignorant." "Then, by Heaven," answered Julian, "I will watch his arrival in this island, and in this house; and ere he has locked thee in his arms, he shall answer to me on the subject of my suit." "Then demand that answer now," said a voice from without the door, which was at the same time slowly opened--"Demand that answer now, for here stands Ralph Bridgenorth." As he spoke, he entered the apartment with his usual slow and sedate step--raised his flapp'd and steeple-crowned hat from his brows, and, standing in the midst of the room, eyed alternately his daughter and Julian Peveril with a fixed and penetrating glance.
"Father!" said Alice, utterly astonished, and terrified besides, by his sudden appearance at such a conjuncture,--"Father, I am not to blame." "Of that anon, Alice," said Bridgenorth; "meantime retire to your apartment--I have that to say to this youth which will not endure your presence." "Indeed--indeed, father," said Alice, alarmed at what she supposed these words indicated, "Julian is as little to be blamed as I! It was chance, it was fortune, which caused our meeting together." Then suddenly rushing forward, she threw her arms around her father, saying, "Oh, do him no injury--he meant no wrong! Father, you were wont to be a man of reason and religious peace." "And wherefore should I not be so now, Alice ?" said Bridgenorth, raising his daughter from the ground, on which she had almost sunk in the earnestness of her supplication.

"Dost thou know aught, maiden, which should inflame my anger against this young man, more than reason or religion may bridle?
Go--go to thy chamber.

Compose thine own passions--learn to rule these--and leave it to me to deal with this stubborn young man." Alice arose, and, with her eyes fixed on the ground, retired slowly from the apartment.

Julian followed her steps with his eyes till the last wave of her garment was visible at the closing door; then turned his looks to Major Bridgenorth, and then sunk them on the ground.