nt 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!"

Hadley felt the unkindness and injustice of Mandeville's remarks, and had
he merely consulted his own feelings, he would have retired at once, and
never again intruded himself upon the society of one who could show himself
so destitute of the characteristics of a gentleman. But there was another
than himself that must suffer should he go, as his feelings prompted, from
the premises of her