her mind, but at length her determination was fixed. To procure the ruin of
the innocent guest, (for she had thoroughly satisfied herself that Miss
Walton _was_ innocent and virtuous,) whom every obligation of hospitality
required her to protect, was indeed damnable; but to forfeit the hand of
Durant under the circumstances was impossible, and not to be thought of.
Poor Ellen! Heaven shield thee!

Durant was not seen by any of the Waltons, as it was his object to keep
them in entire ignorance of his proximity until such time as he chose to
reveal himself. Miss Fleming knew where to find him; and, according to
agreement, met him during the evening, to arrange some matters connected
with the plot.

"Louis, you have required too much at my hands in this affair. I fear I
shall not be able to comply with the terms of agreement."

"Then return my written promise of marriage, and live to be despised and a
by-word among men! I thought the matter was definitely settled, and that
you had resolved to save your own honor and name at every hazard."

"But is this my only hope?"

"Yes, as true as there is a God in heaven, it is. I will forsake you
forever unless you comply with my wishes in this affair."

"Then I must name some conditions, to which I shall demand the strictest
compliance on your part."

"Name them."