"It is not worth while for you to deny it, Hadley, as I have the most
positive proof of your designs."

These were the first words that greeted the daughter's ears, and they sent
a chill to her heart. She knew that her lover was impetuous, and feared the
charge made against him, which she could not but perceive was a grave one,
would cause him to commit some rash or unguarded act, the results of which,
in the existing state of affairs, would be unfortunate. His reply, however,
was calm, and his manner cool and self-possessed, and she listened to the
remainder of the conversation with breathless attention and intensely
absorbed interest.

"Pray, sir, will you be so kind as to give me the name of the individual
who has dared to accuse me of a base plot? You certainly cannot refuse so
small a request, and yet of such great importance to me, as it gives me the
only possible chance of clearing myself from the groundless charges
preferred against me so invidiously."

"I do not feel disposed to reveal the name of my informant, as it would
lead to an unpleasant rencounter, and result in no good. Suffice it to say,
he enjoys my entire confidence, and that I give to his words the fullest
credit."

"Sir, I must consider this a very strange course for a gentleman to pursue.
You are evidently laboring under a serious mistake, and it would give me
the greatest pleasure to convince you of the fact, would you allow me to do
so; but as I cannot do that, will you permit me to hold a moment's
conversation with your daughter?"

"Why, sir, it was to prevent that very thing that I met you here. No, I