called in question by anybody, and from you least .of all did I anticipate such a thing. When i said that such and such was the case—even if it was an ilnlikely thing—

I had hoped that that would have been sufficient for you. Il|,ven n °w I cannot but think it would have been so but for evil counsel and detraction. Nay, hear me out,’ for she had moved her head, in the negative, and seemed about to speak, * whether this is so or not, it seems your lover’s word of honour requires some corroboration.. I had hoped that would have been unnecessary, but it shall have it. Your poor father, it seems, knew you better than I did. On the day after my interview with him he wrote me a letter, : -with the object, as I now believe, of- its being shown to you in case of necessity: ,(sucb as has now arisen), reiterating :wbati he. had expressed to me with his own lips. Is it still necessary that you should see it ?v * A letter I’ she said, eagerly/ and taking no notice of-this last- inquiry. J A letter in his own hand !’ - 7

.‘.Pertainly/ What rise,’ he added, bitterly, 1 would a him have .been ? You would only hate said that I it. hr suborned the messenger.’ ' • ; - Percy! Percy. ,. rr ' 7 •* j sdiTy to wpnnd yon, Clare t ph* you must' remember how you have .wounded me. Here is the letter ; you recognise the hand writing, I suppose. You do not suspect me of-forgery?’ 7 -.r ..She took the letter, sobbing bitterly, and kissed it.. It must have been the' last letter, shp reflected, her father had ever written; the words were ; formed a little irregularly, as -with a weak* and failing hand, but were quite - legible, and iff his welbknown hand;. : : ' * Dear Percy;—l have nothing more to say ‘ than I said to you yesterday morning. But Something prompts , me to reiterate ■ it. It may be a'Satisfaction to yon—and to another —to have my approval of your marriage," for my consent has already been given under my , own hand. I have had, it is true, certain prejudices to surmount; but now they no. 