prosecute his intrigues with
his accustomed audacity. The evil passion which he had conceived for
the pretty Prudence, so far from being checked by the repulses he
received from the wily maiden--repulses which left room for hope--only
stimulated to redoubled exertion. He was like a sportsman, whose
eagerness in the pursuit of game is only heightened by its shyness and
difficulty of capture; and, with no disparagement of the virtue of the
coquettish girl, it must be admitted that, for the want of something
better to exercise her active faculties, (the difficulties of her
interviews with Philip having increased since his banishment,) she
found a mischievous delight in the power she possessed over Spikeman,
and in playing off her caprices at his expense. So far, indeed, by her
blandishments, had she succeeded in blinding his eyes and subjecting
him to her power, that she herself wondered at her success. The path
which she was treading was dangerous, but her youthful presumption,
and the pleasure she derived from the influence which the insane
passion of the Assistant gave her over him, stopped her ears to the
warnings of prudence and the suggestions of propriety. If Philip Joy,
whom with no divided affection she loved in her own way, had known
all, he would scarcely have been so contented at the dwelling of Sir
Christopher. Yet, as we have seen, did Prudence make no secret to
Philip of the admiration of Spikeman; and, after the first
conversation in which she disclosed it, had more than once laughed
with him at the advances of her antiquated lover. But her disclosures
were made in such a manner--with such a half-telling of the
truth--with such a revelation here, and a concealment there, as to
provoke more merriment than apprehension.

Nor, while indulging a feeling which cannot be called love, was
Spikeman regardless of his hatreds. He strove by every means to excite
distrust and ill-will against Sir Christopher and Arundel. As for the
humble Philip, he hardly looked upon him any longer as a rival, such
had been the success of the deceitful Prudence. With these preliminary
observations, the reader is prepared for what follows.

It was at the house of the Assistant Spikeman, and there were no
persons in the room save himself and Prudence. The door was closed,
and the girl was standing with a besom in one hand, while the
Assistant, who was seated, had hold of the other, and was looking up
into her hazel eyes. He drew her