Bent and tottering, the old man recounts the value of his curiosities; which, like our chivalry, is much talked of but hard to get at.  He offers in apology for the nonpayment of the debt his knowledge of the old continentals, just as we offer our chivalry in excuse for every disgraceful act-every savage law.  In fine, he follows the maxims of our politicians, recapitulating a dozen or more things (wiping the sweat from his brow the while) that have no earthly connection with the subject.  “They are all very well,” Mr. Keepum rejoins, with an air of self-importance, dusting the ashes from his cigar.  He only wishes to impress the old man with the fact that he is his very best friend.

And having somewhat relieved the Antiquary’s mind of its apprehensions, for McArthur stood in great fear of duns, Mr. Keepum pops, uninvited, into the “back parlor,” where he has not long been when Maria’s screams for assistance break forth.

“Ah!  I am old-there is not much left me now.  Yes, I am old, my infirmities are upon me.  Pray, good man, spare me my daughter.  Nay, you must not break the peace of my house;” mutters the old man, advancing into the room, with infirm step, and looking wistfully at his daughter, as if eager to clasp her in his arms.  Maria stands in a defiant attitude, her left hand poised on a chair, and her right pointing scornfully in the face of Keepum, who recoils under the look of withering scorn that darkens her countenance.  “A gentleman! begone, knave! for your looks betray you.  You cannot buy my ruin with your gold; you cannot deceive me with your false tongue.  If hate were a noble passion, I would not vent that which now agitates my bosom on you.  Nay, I would reserve it for a better purpose—­”

“Indeed, indeed-now I say honestly, your daughter mistakes me.  I was only being a little friendly to her,” interrupts the chopfallen man.  He did not think her capable of summoning so much passion to her aid.

Maria, it must be said, was one of those seemingly calm natures in which resentment takes deepest root, in which the passions are most violent when roused.  Solitude does, indeed, tend to invest the passionate nature with a calm surface.  A less penetrating observer than the chivalrous Keepum, might have discovered in Maria a spirit he could not so easily humble to his uses.  It is the modest, thoughtful woman, you cannot make lick the dust in sorrow and tears.  “Coward! you laid ruffian hands on me!” says Maria, again towering to her height, and giving vent to her feelings.

“Madam, Madam,” pursues Keepum, trembling and crouching, “you asperse my honor,—­my sacred honor, Madam.  You see-let me say a word, now-you are leting your temper get the better of you.  I never, and the public know I never did-I never did a dishonorable thing in my life.”  Turning to the bewildered old man, he continues:  “to be called a knave, and upbraided in this manner by your daughter, when I have befriended you all these days!” His wicked eyes fall guilty to the floor.