He had resolved that under no pressure would he marry the daughter of O'Hara, the galley-slave.

As far as that, he had seen his way.

Should he now at once speak of the galley-slave, and, with expressions of regret, decline the alliance on that reason?
Having dishonoured this woman's daughter should he shelter himself behind the dishonour of her husband?
That he meant to do so ultimately is true; but at the present moment such a task would have required a harder heart than his.

She rose from her chair and stood close over him as she repeated her demand, "When will you make my child your wife ?" "You do not want me to answer you at this moment ?" "Yes;--at this moment.

Why not answer me at once?
She has told me all.
Mr.Neville, you must think not only of her, but of your child also." "I hope not that," he said.
"I tell you that it is so.