She almost supposed that heaven had a different code of laws for men and women in her condition of life, and that salvation was offered on very different terms to the two sexes.

The breach of any such promise as the heir of Scroope could have made to such a girl as this Miss O'Hara would be a perjury at which Jove might certainly be expected to laugh.

But in her catalogue there were sins for which no young men could hope to be forgiven; and the sin of such a marriage as this would certainly be beyond pardon.
Of the injury which was to be done to Miss O'Hara, it may be said with certainty that she thought not at all.

In her eyes it would be no injury, but simple justice,--no more than a proper punishment for intrigue and wicked ambition.

Without having seen the enemy to the family of Scroope, or even having heard a word to her disparagement, she could feel sure that the girl was bad,--that these O'Haras were vulgar and false impostors, persons against whom she could put out all her strength without any prick of conscience.