"Are you willing to barter sworn faith, the exercise of free will, and the feelings of mutual affection to this wretched hypocritical sophistry ?" "Hear him!" said Lady Ashton, looking to the clergyman--"hear the blasphemer!" "May God forgive him," said Bide-the-Bent, "and enlighten his ignorance!" "Hear what I have sacrificed for you," said Ravenswood, still addressing Lucy, "ere you sanction what has been done in your name.

The honour of an ancient family, the urgent advice of my best friends, have been in vain used to sway my resolution; neither the arguments of reason nor the portents of superstition have shaken my fidelity.

The very dead have arisen to warn me, and their warning has been despised.

Are you prepared to pierce my heart for its fidelity with the very weapon which my rash confidence entrusted to your grasp ?" "Master of Ravenswood," said Lady Ashton, "you have asked what questions you thought fit.

You see the total incapacity of my daughter to answer you.