'Poor Ned! I told you last night what would happen .-- May I ask you for the nutcrackers ?' 'She has been tampered with, and most treacherously deceived,' cried Edward, rising from his seat.

'I never will believe that the knowledge of my real position, given her by myself, has worked this change.

I know she is beset and tortured.

But though our contract is at an end, and broken past all redemption; though I charge upon her want of firmness and want of truth, both to herself and me; I do not now, and never will believe, that any sordid motive, or her own unbiassed will, has led her to this course--never!' 'You make me blush,' returned his father gaily, 'for the folly of your nature, in which--but we never know ourselves--I devoutly hope there is no reflection of my own.

With regard to the young lady herself, she has done what is very natural and proper, my dear fellow; what you yourself proposed, as I learn from Haredale; and what I predicted--with no great exercise of sagacity--she would do.