intimately as Patrick's friend."

"I am sure he has not intended to betray any trust," said Clara,
through her sobs. The conviction was beginning to come upon her that
she would be forced to give up her lover; but she could not bring
herself to hear so much evil spoken of him.

"He has not behaved like a gentleman," continued the countess,
looking very stern. "And his visits here must of course be
altogether discontinued. I am sorry on your brother's account, for
Patrick was very fond of him--"

"Not half so fond as I am," thought Clara to herself. But she did
not dare to speak her thoughts out loud.

"But I am quite sure that your brother, young as he is, will not
continue to associate with a friend who has thought so slightly of
his sister's honour. Of course I shall let Mr. Fitzgerald know that
he can come here no more; and all I want from you is a promise that
you will on no account see him again, or hold any correspondence
with him."

That was all she wanted. But Clara, timid as she was, hesitated
before she could give a promise so totally at variance with the
pledge which she felt that she had given, hardly an hour since, to
Fitzgerald. She knew and acknowledged to herself that she had given
him a pledge, although she had given it in silence. How then was she
to give this other pledge to her mother?

"You do not mean to say that you hesitate?" said Lady Desmond,