consider them peremptory. I wish you success and plenty! Farewell,
gentlemen!"

"Do you leave us already?" cried Tomlinson. "You are offended."

"Surely not!" answered Clifford, retreating to the door. "But an
engagement elsewhere, you know!"

"Ay, I take you," said Tomlinson, following Clifford out of the room, and
shutting the door after him. "Ay, I take you!" added he, in a whisper,
as he arrested Clifford at the head of the stairs. "But tell me, how do
you get on with the heiress?"

Smothering that sensation at his heart which made Clifford, reckless as
he was, enraged and ashamed, whenever through the lips of his comrades
there issued any allusion to Lucy Brandon, the chief replied: "I fear,
Tomlinson, that I am already suspected by the old squire! All of a
sudden he avoids me, shuts his door against me; Miss Brandon goes
nowhere, and even if she did, what could I expect from her after this
sudden change in the father?"

Tomlinson looked blank and disconcerted. "But," said he, after a
moment's silence, "why not put a good face on the matter, walk up to the
squire, and ask him the reason of his unkindness?"

"Why, look you, my friend; I am bold enough with all others, but this
girl has made me as bashful as a maid in all that relates to herself.
Nay, there are moments when I think I can conquer all selfish feeling and
rejoice for her sake that she has escaped me. Could I but see her once
more, I could--yes! I feel--I feel I could--resign her forever!"