more readily supplied the means of knowledge. Besides, there were
certain family matters, which the look of her father suddenly
recalled--which had never been suffered to reach the ears of her
cousin;--which indicated to her, however imperfectly, the possible cause
of that severe and scornful expression of eye, in the uncle, which had
so confounded the nephew. She looked, with timid pleading to her
father's face, but dared not speak.

And still the latter stood at the entrance, silent, sternly scanning the
young offenders, just beginning to be conscious of offence. A surprise
of any kind is exceedingly paralyzing to young lovers, caught in a
situation like that in which our luckless couple were found on this
occasion. It is probable, that, but for this, Ralph Colleton would
scarcely have borne so meekly the severe look which the father now
bestowed upon his daughter.

Though not the person to trouble himself much at any time in relation to
his child, Colonel Colleton had never once treated her unkindly. Though
sometimes neglectful, he had never shown himself stern. The look which
he now gave her was new to all her experience. The poor girl began to
conceive much more seriously of her offence than ever;--it seemed to
spread out unimaginably far, and to involve a thousand violations of
divine and human law. She could only look pleadingly, without speech, to
her father. His finger silently pointed her to withdraw.

"Oh, father!"--the exclamation was barely murmured.

"Go!" was the sole answer, with the finger still uplift.

In silence, she glided away; not, however, without stealing a fond and