But now a new source of anxiety, mixed with alarming apprehensions, took possession of her distracted mind.  Her father had left the house abruptly, and looking in the direction he had taken, she beheld him in violent conversation with Charles Hadley, the only man for whom she had ever entertained sentiments of tender regard, the only one to whose “tale of love” she had listened with quickened pulses and beating heart, the only one to whom she had plighted her faith, with whom exchanged vows of love and constancy.  And her parent had just termed him beggarly!  What could be the cause of his dislike? and for what purpose had he sought the young man in so strange and unaccountable a mood? and what was the nature of the interview between them?

Such were the thoughts that hurried across the mind of the young girl; and, hardly knowing what she did, she stole up to her chamber-window, which was in full view of the gentlemen, and placing her ear in a listening attitude, bent all her energies to gain a knowledge of what was said; and, having so much at stake, we must excuse the exceptionable act.

“It is not worth while for you to deny it, Hadley, as I have the most positive proof of your designs.”

These were the first words that greeted the daughter’s ears, and they sent a chill to her heart.  She knew that her lover was impetuous, and feared the charge made against him, which she could not but perceive was a grave one, would cause him to commit some rash or unguarded act, the results of which, in the existing state of affairs, would be unfortunate.  His reply, however, was calm, and his manner cool and self-possessed, and she listened to the remainder of the conversation with breathless attention and intensely absorbed interest.

“Pray, sir, will you be so kind as to give me the name of the individual who has dared to accuse me of a base plot?  You certainly cannot refuse so small a request, and yet of such great importance to me, as it gives me the only possible chance of clearing myself from the groundless charges preferred against me so invidiously.”

“I do not feel disposed to reveal the name of my informant, as it would lead to an unpleasant rencounter, and result in no good.  Suffice it to say, he enjoys my entire confidence, and that I give to his words the fullest credit.”

“Sir, I must consider this a very strange course for a gentleman to pursue.  You are evidently laboring under a serious mistake, and it would give me the greatest pleasure to convince you of the fact, would you allow me to do so; but as I cannot do that, will you permit me to hold a moment’s conversation with your daughter?”

“Why, sir, it was to prevent that very thing that I met you here.  No, I cannot grant your request; and hereafter you will please consider my daughter as a stranger, and my door as closed against you!  Not a word, sir; not a word—­my resolution is taken unchangeably.  I can not and will not permit my child to associate with those whom I know to be unworthy.  Sir, I will hear no word of explanation!  Go!”