gene was
called to his catechism, but he was soon released, for the Tokay had
made her father sleepy, while it seemed to have emboldened Mr. Arden,
since he came forth with direct intent to engross Harriet; and Sir Amyas
wandered towards Betty, apologising for the interruption.

"It is a rare occasion," said she as her pupil scampered away.

"Happy child, to be taught by so good a sister," said the young baronet,
regretfully.

"Your young half-brothers and sisters must be of about the same age,"
said Betty.

"My little brother, Archer, is somewhat younger. He is with my mother in
London, the darling of the ladies, who think him a perfect beauty, and
laugh at all his mischievous pranks. As to my little sisters, you will
be surprised to hear that I have only seen them once, when I rode with
their father to see them at the farm houses at which they are nursed."

"No doubt they are to be fetched home, since Mrs. Dove is gone to wait
on them, and my Lady said something of intending my sister to be with
her young children."

"Nay, she must have no such troublesome charge. My mother cannot intend
anything of the kind. I shall see that she is treated as---"

Betty, beginning to perceive that he knew as little of his own mother as
did the rest of his sex, here interrupted him. "Excuse me, sir, I doubt
not of your kind intentions, but let me speak, for Aurelia is a very
precious child to me, and I am afraid that any such attempt on your part
might do her harm rather than good. She must be content with the lot of
a poor dependant."

"Never!" he exclaimed. "She is a Delavie; and besides, no other ever
shall be my wife."

"Hush, hush!" Betty had been saying before the words were out of his
"You are but a silly boy, begging your Honour's pardon, though you
speak, I know, with all your heart. What would your Lady mother say or
do to my poor little sister if she heard you?"

"She could but send her home, and then flood and fire could not hold me
from her."

"I wish that were the worst she could do. No, Sir Amyas Belamour, if you
have any kindness for the poor helpless girl under your mother's roof,
you will make no advance to excite alarm or anger against her. Remember
it is she who will be the sufferer and not yourself. The woman, however
guiltless, is sure to fall under suspicion and bear the whole penalty.
And oh! what would become of her, defenceless, simple, unprotected as
she is?"

"Yet you sent her!" said he.