prodigy that you denominate an impossibility! Clara Day and Traverse
Rocke were betrothed with full knowledge and cordial approbation of
the young lady's father."

"Impossible! preposterous! I shall countenance no such ridiculous
absurdity!" said Colonel Le Noir, growing red in the face.

"Miss Day, Doctor Rocke, Mrs. Rocke, and myself are witnesses to
that fact."

"The young lady, and the young man are parties immediately
concerned--they cannot be received as witnesses in their own case;
Mrs. Rocke is too much in their interest for her evidence to be
taken; you, sir, I consider the dupe of these cunning conspirators--
mother and son," replied Colonel Le Noir, firmly.

"Tut!" said Doctor Williams, almost out of patience. "I do not
depend upon the words of Miss Day and her friends, although I hold
their veracity to be above question; I had Doctor Day's dying words
to the same effect. And he mentioned the existing betrothal as the
very reason why Clara should remain here in the care of her future
mother-in-law."

"Then, sir, that the doctor should have spoken and acted thus, is
only another and a stronger reason for believing him to have been
deranged in his last moments! You need give yourself no farther
trouble! I shall act upon the authority of this instrument which I
hold in my hand," replied Colonel Le Noir, haughtily.

"Then, as the depository of the dying man's last wishes and as the