was on his thoughtless but affectionate and manly heart he bade the dark
shadow of his spirit fall. "And, think not," he cried, "that you,
Algernon Hurdlestone, shall triumph in my despair. That woman shall be
mine, yet. Mine, though her brow has been polluted by your lips, and
your profligate love has contaminated her for ever in my eyes. But I
will bind you both with a chain, which shall render you my slaves for
ever." Then, rising from the ground, he left the spot which had
witnessed the only tender emotion he had ever felt, with a spirit full
of bitterness, and burning for revenge.




CHAPTER III.

Oh life! vain life! how many thorny cares
Lie thickly strewn in all thy crooked paths!--S.M.


There is no sight on earth so revolting as the smile with which
hypocrisy covers guilt, without it be revenge laughing at its victim.

When Algernon returned at night to the Hall, his brother greeted him
with a composed and smiling aspect. He had communicated to his father
the scene he had witnessed at the cottage, and the old man's anger
exceeded his most sanguine expectations. With secret satisfaction he saw
Algernon enter the drawing-room, which the indignant Squire was pacing
with rapid steps; and when he caught the irritated glance of the old
man's eye, Mark felt that his work had been well and surely done; that
nothing could avert from his brother the storm that was gathering over