erceived that the priest knew it all. But how could he wonder at
this when that which ought to have been her secret and his had become
known even to Lady Mary Quin? And he understood well what the priest
meant when he spoke of that which was due to Kate O'Hara before God
and man; and he could perceive, or thought that he perceived, that the
priest did not doubt of the coming marriage, now that he, the victim,
was again back in the west of Ireland. And was he not the victim of a
scheme? Had he not been allured on to make promises to the girl which
he would not have made had the truth been told him as to her father?
He would not even in his thoughts accuse Kate,--his Kate,--of being
a participator in these schemes. But Mrs. O'Hara and the priest had
certainly intrigued against him. He must remember that. In the terrible
task which he was now compelled to begin he must build his defence
chiefly upon that. Yes; he must begin his work, now, upon the instant.
With all his golden prospects,--with all his golden honours already in
his possession,--he could wish himself dead rather than begin it. But he
could not die and have done it. "Father. Marty," he said, "I cannot make
Miss O'Hara Countess of Scroope."

"Not make her Countess of Scroope! What will you make her then?"

"As to that, I am here to discuss it with you."

"What is it you main, sir? Afther you have had your will of her, and
polluted her sweet innocence, you will not make her your wife! You
cannot look me in the face, Mr. Neville, and tell me that."

There the priest was right. The young Earl could not look him in the
face as he stammered out his explanation and proposal. The burly, strong
old man stood perfectly still and silent as he, with hesitating and
ill-arranged words, tried to gloze over and make endurable his past
conduct and intentions as to the future. He still held some confused
idea as to a form of marriage which should for all his life bind him
to the woman, but which should give her no claim to the title, and her
child no claim either to the title or the property. "You should have
told me of this Captain O'Hara," he said, as with many half-formed
sentences he completed his suggestions.

"And it's on me you are throwing the blame?"

"You should have told me, Father Marty."

"By the great God above me, I did not believe that a man could be such
a villain! As I look for glory I did not think it possible! I should
have tould you! Neither did I no