you, Doctor, that my child is a part of myself, my own flesh
and blood; and can you counsel me to become an apostate to my own
principles? It has been my dearest thought that I should one day enjoy in
my own seclusion the reflected lustre of my child's brilliant position in
the world, and that that position should be by the side of one whose
course in life my own ripe judgment approves entirely. A man of Mr.
Lillburgh's principles cannot make her happy; I will not believe that he
can. No, I have always cared for my daughter's happiness; I will care for
it still, by settling this matter for her as I best know how. No; again I
say no; my only child shall not be so sacrificed!' And Mr. Lee stamped on
the floor, as if to add force to his speech.

'When you are cool,' said Dr. Kent, looking any thing but cool himself, 'I
will remind you of your promise, your positive promise; there is Mr.
Lillburgh now approaching the house; ask both your heart and conscience
how he ought to be received. Good morning to you.'

Without stopping to consult either of these counsellors, Mr. Lee hastily
rang the bell. 'We are both engaged, and cannot see the gentleman who is
now coming to the door,' said he to the servant. The doorbell was heard at
the instant, and the servant hastened to obey his master's directions.

The doctor was gone. Mr. Lee, pacing the parlor alone, imagined to himself
all sorts of arguments to satisfy his conscience that he was in the right.
Yet, thought he, my little darling must be made happy; all young girls
love trinkets and finery; I will take her out with me this morning, and
she shall indulge every caprice of her pretty fancy; pretty in every thing
else but fixing itself on that Mr. Lillburgh. 'Pshaw! he shall _not_ have
her; call Miss here,' he continued to a servant who entered at the moment.
The servant returned after a few minutes, saying that he had knocked
repeatedly at her door, but received no answer. Vaguely apprehensive of
something wrong, Mr. Lee hastened himself to her chamber; but how was he
shocked on entering, to find his daughter lying senseless in a swoon near
an open window. Ah! what voice whispered him that she had seen and heard
at that window what her delicate nerves could not endure! He raised her
tenderly in his arms, and having with some difficulty restored her to
consciousness, placed her on the bed. 'Good heavens!' thought he, 'can it
be indeed so serious!' But he could not long speculate