“A very few words will tell it.  She admitted that there certainly has been an attachment between you and her, but—­that—­that—­I will not exactly repeat her words, although I don’t say they were meant offensively; but it amounted, to this, that she now filled a different position in the eyes of the world; that she would rather the matter were not renewed; that if her mind had changed, she had good reason for justifying the change; and when I, finding that I had no chance myself, began to plead for you, she hinted to me that, in consequence of the feud that had taken place between the families, and the slanders that my mother had cast upon her honor and principles, she was resolved to have no further connection whatsoever with any one of the blood; her affections were not now her own.”

“Alas, Harry!” said Charles, “how few can bear the effects of unexpected prosperity.  When she and I were both comparatively poor, she was all affection; but now that she has become an heiress, see what a change there is!  Well, Harry, if she can be faithless and selfish, I can be both resolute and proud.  She shall have no further trouble from me on that subject; only I must say, I don’t envy her her conscience.”

“Don’t be rash, Charles—–­we should judge of her charitably and generously; I don’t think myself she is so much to blame.  O’Connor Fardour, or Farther, or whatever you call him—­”

“O, Ferdora!”

“Yes, Ferdora; that fellow is at the bottom of it all; he has plied her well during the estrangement, and to some purpose.  I never visit them that I don’t find him alone with her.  He is, besides, both frank and handsome, with a good deal of dash and insinuation in his address and manner, and, besides, a good property, I am told.  But, in the meantime, I have a favor to ask of you; that is, if you think you can place confidence in me.”

“Every confidence, my dear Harry,” said Charles, clasping his hand warmly; “every confidence.  As I said before, you shall be my guide and adviser.”

“Thank you, Charles.  I may make mistakes, but I shall do all for the best.  Well, then, will you leave O’Connor to me?  If you do, I shall not promise much, because I am not master of future events; but this is all I ask of you—­yes, there is one thing more—­to hold aloof from her and her family for a time.”

“After what you have told me, Harry, that is an unnecessary request now; but as for O’Connor, I think he ought to be left to myself.”

“And so he shall in due time; but I must place him in a proper position for you first—­a thing which you could not do now, nor even attempt to do, without meanness.  Are you, then, satisfied to leave this matter in my hands, and to remain quiet until I shall bid you act?”

“Perfectly, Harry, perfectly; I shall be guided by you in everything.”