onsequence of the
feud that had taken place between the families, and the slanders that my
mother had cast upon her honor and principles, she was resolved to
have no further connection whatsoever with any one of the blood; her
affections were not now her own."

"Alas, Harry!" said Charles, "how few can bear the effects of unexpected
prosperity. When she and I were both comparatively poor, she was all
affection; but now that she has become an heiress, see what a change
there is! Well, Harry, if she can be faithless and selfish, I can be
both resolute and proud. She shall have no further trouble from me on
that subject; only I must say, I don't envy her her conscience."

"Don't be rash, Charles---we should judge of her charitably and
generously; I don't think myself she is so much to blame. O'Connor
Fardour, or Farther, or whatever you call him--"

"O, Ferdora!"

"Yes, Ferdora; that fellow is at the bottom of it all; he has plied her
well during the estrangement, and to some purpose. I never visit them
that I don't find him alone with her. He is, besides, both frank and
handsome, with a good deal of dash and insinuation in his address and
manner, and, besides, a good property, I am told. But, in the meantime,
I have a favor to ask of you; that is, if you think you can place
confidence in me."

"Every confidence, my dear Harry," said Charles, clasping his hand
warmly; "every confidence. As I said before, you shall be my guide and
adviser."

"Thank you, Charles. I may make mistakes, but I shall do all for the
best. Well, then, will you leave O'Connor to me? If you do, I shall not
promise much, because I am not master of future events; but this is all
I ask of you--yes, there is one thing more--to hold aloof from her and
her family for a time."

"After what you have told me, Harry, that is an unnecessary request now;
but as for O'Connor, I think he ought to be left to myself."

"And so he shall in due time; but I must place him in a proper position
for you first--a thing which you could not do now, nor even attempt to
do, without meanness. Are you, then, satisfied to leave this matter in
my hands, and to remain quiet until I shall bid you act?"

"Perfectly, Harry, perfectly; I shall be guided by you in everything."

"Well, now, Charley, we will have a double triumph soon, I hope. All
is not lost that's in danger. The poor girl is surrounded by a clique.
Priests have interfered. Her parents, you know, are Catholic