We consequently must make allowance for those delicate and blushing evasions which, after all, only mask compliance." By this reply the baronet hoped to be able to satisfy his friend, without plunging into the open falsehood.

The old nobleman, however, looked keenly at him, and asked a question which penetrated like a dagger into the lying soul within him.
"She consents, then, in the ordinary way ?" "She does, my lord." "Well," replied the peer, "that, as the world goes, is, perhaps, as much as can be expected at present.

You have not, I dare say, attempted to force her very much on the subject, and the poor girl has no mother.
Under such circumstances, the delicacy of a young lady is certainly entitled to a manly forbearance.

Have you alluded to Dunroe's want of morals ?" "Your opinion of his lordship and mine differ on this point considerably, my lord," replied the baronet--"You judge him with the severity of a father, I with the moderation of a friend.

I have certainly made no allusion to his morals." "Of course, then, you are aware, that it is your duty to do so; as a father, that it is a most solemn and indispensable duty ?" The soul of Sir Thomas Gourlay writhed within him like a wounded serpent, at the calm but noble truth contained in this apophthegm.