essions of confidence
too frequently mark distrust. I have no possible motive to induce me to
betray you; on the contrary, I would gladly assist and direct whatever
plans you may have formed. Command me as you please; I have said
enough.'

'I will not doubt you, Dwyer,' said O'Mara; 'I have taken my
resolution--I have, I think, firmness to act up to it. To marry Ellen
Heathcote, situated as I am, were madness; to propose anything else
were worse, were villainy not to be named. I will leave the country
to-morrow, cost what pain it may, for England. I will at once break off
the proposed alliance with Lady Emily, and will wait until I am my own
master, to open my heart to Ellen. My father may say and do what he
likes; but his passion will not last. He will forgive me; and even were
he to disinherit me, as he threatens, there is some property which
must descend to me, which his will cannot affect. He cannot ruin my
interests; he SHALL NOT ruin my happiness. Dwyer, give me pen and ink; I
will write this moment.'

This bold plan of proceeding for many reasons appeared inexpedient
to Dwyer, and he determined not to consent to its adoption without a
struggle.

'I commend your prudence,' said he, 'in determining to remove yourself
from the fascinating influence which has so long bound you here; but
beware of offending your father. Colonel O'Mara is not a man to forgive
an act of deliberate disobedience, and surely you are not mad enough to
ruin yourself with him by offering an outrageous insult to Lady Emily
and to her family in her person; therefore you must not break off the
understood contract which subsists between you by any formal act--hear
me out patiently. You must let Lady Emily perceive, as you easily may,
without rudeness or even coldness of manner, that she is perfectly
indifferent to you; and when she understands this to be the case, it
she possesses either delicacy or spirit, she will herself break off
the engagement. Make what delay it is possible to effect; it is very
possible that your father, who cannot, in all probability, live many
months, may not live as many days if harassed and excited by such scenes
as your breaking off your engagement must produce.'

'Dwyer,' said O'Mara, 'I will hear you out--proceed.'

'Besides, sir, remember,' he continued, 'the understanding which we have
termed an engagement was entered into without any direct sanction upon
your part; your father has committed HIMSELF, not YOU