She then informed him that she was under the necessity of finding a refuge from an atrocious persecution, and had determined to apply to him (on reading his pamphlet, and recognising a kindred mind) to find her a retreat where she could be concealed from the indefatigable search being made for her.

Doubtless, thought Scythrop, this is one of my seven golden candlesticks, and at once offered her the asylum of his secret apartments, assuring her she might rely on the honour of a transcendental eleutherarch.

“I rely on myself,” said the lady.  “I act as I please, and let the whole world say what it will.  I am rich enough to set it at defiance.  They alone are subject to blind authority who have no reliance on their own strength.”

Stella took possession of the recondite apartments.  Scythrop intended to find another asylum; but from day to day postponed his intention, and by degrees forgot it.  The young lady reminded him from day to day, till she also forgot it.

Scythrop had now as much mystery about him as any romantic transcendentalist could desire.  He had his esoterical and his exoterical love, and could not endure the thought of losing either of them.  His father’s suspicions were aroused by always finding the door locked on visiting Scythrop’s study; and one day, hearing a female voice, and, on the door being opened, finding his son alone, he looked around and said: 

“Where is the lady?”

Scythrop invited him to search the tower, but Mr. Glowry was not to be deceived.  Scythrop talked loudly, hoping to drown his father’s voice, in vain.

“I, say, sir, when you are so shortly to be married to your cousin Marionetta——­”

The bookcase opened in the middle, and the beautiful Stella appeared, exclaiming: 

“Married!  Is he going to be married?  The profligate!”

“Really, madam,” said Mr. Glowry, “I do not know what he is going to do, or what anyone is going to do, for all this is incomprehensible.”

“I can explain it all,” said Scythrop, “if you will have the goodness to leave us alone.”

Stella threw herself into a chair and burst into a passion of tears.  Scythrop took her hand.  She snatched it away, and turned her back upon him.  Scythrop continued entreating Mr. Glowry to leave them alone, but he was obstinate, and would not go.

A tap at the door, and Mr. Hilary entered.  He stood a few minutes in silent surprise, then departed in search of Marionetta.

Scythrop was now in a hopeless predicament.

Mr. Hilary made a hue and cry, summoning his wife and Marionetta, and they hastened in consternation to Scythrop’s apartments.  Mr. Toobad saw them, and judging from their manner that the devil had manifested his wrath in some new shape, followed, and intercepted Stella’s flight at the door by catching her in his arms.

“Celinda!” he exclaimed.

“Papa!” said the young lady disconsolately.