‘Ready!’ said Lord Clonbrony; ’ay, always ready—­so I said.  Here’s Colambre, my darling,’ continued he, ’has secured your fortune to you to my heart’s content; but he would not condescend to come up to tell you so, till I made him.  Here’s the bond; put your hand to it, Colambre; you were ready enough to do that when it cost you something; and now, all I have to ask of you is, to persuade her to marry out of hand, that I may see her happy before I die.  Now my heart’s at ease!  I can meet Mr. Salisbury with a safe conscience.  One kiss, my little Grace.  If anybody can persuade you, I’m sure it’s that man that’s now leaning against the mantelpiece.  It’s Colambre’s will, or your heart’s not made like mine—­so I leave you.’

And out of the room walked he, leaving his poor son in as awkward, embarrassing, and painful a situation, as could well be conceived.  Half a dozen indistinct ideas crossed his mind; quick conflicting feelings made his heart beat and stop.  And how it would have ended, if he had been left to himself, whether he would have stood or fallen, have spoken or have continued silent, can never now be known, for all was decided without the action of his will.  He was awakened from his trance by these simple words from Miss Nugent—­

’I’m much obliged to you, cousin Colambre—­more obliged to you for your kindness in thinking of me first, in the midst of all your other business, than by your securing my fortune.  Friendship—­and your friendship—­is worth more to me than fortune.  May I believe that is secured?’

‘Believe it!  Oh, Grace, can you doubt it?’

‘I will not; it would make me too unhappy.  I will not.’

‘You need not.’

’That is enough—­I am satisfied—­I ask no farther explanation.  You are truth itself—­one word from you is security sufficient.  We are friends for life,’ said she, taking his hand between both of hers; ‘are not we?’

’We are—­and therefore sit down, cousin Grace, and let me claim the privilege of friendship, and speak to you of him who aspires to be more than your friend for life, Mr.—­’

Mr. Salisbury!’ said Miss Nugent; ’I saw him yesterday.  We had a very long conversation; I believe he understands my sentiments perfectly, and that he no longer thinks of being more to me than a friend for life.’

‘You have refused him!’

’Yes.  I have a high opinion of Mr. Salisbury’s understanding, a great esteem for his character; I like his manners and conversation; but I do not love him, and therefore, you know, I could not marry him.’

’But, my dear Miss Nugent, with a high opinion, a great esteem, and liking his manners and conversation, in such a well-regulated mind as yours, can there be a better foundation for love?’

‘It is an excellent foundation,’ said she; ’but I never went any farther than the foundation; and, indeed, I never wished to proceed any farther.’

Lord Colambre scarcely dared to ask why; but, after some pause, he said—­