I know he expected a coronet, and I have no doubt but he'd have got one had his party remained in; but now all the unfortunate devil is likely to get is a rope--and be hanged to them! However, as to my own case about Reilly--I must secure a strong bar against him; and if we can only prevail upon Helen to state the facts as they occurred, there is little doubt that he shall suffer; for hang he must, in consequence of the disgrace he has brought upon my daughter's name and mine.

Whatever I might have forgiven, I will never forgive him that." He then rode on at a rapid pace, and did not slacken his speed until he reached home.

Dinner was ready, and he sat down with none but Helen, who could scarcely touch a morsel.

Her father saw at once the state of her mind, and felt that it would be injudicious to introduce any subject that might be calculated to excite her.

They accordingly talked upon commonplace topics, and each assumed as much cheerfulness, and more than they could command.