id not scruple to
stoop to.

"Yes, Mr. Kennyfeck," reiterated his wife, "we know all! If, however,
you still persist in maintaining that mysterious aspect you have assumed
with your family, I must say, sir, it is perfectly absurd."

"It is unnecessary, too, papa," cried Miss Kennyfeck.

"And it's unfair to that young creature," chimed in Aunt Fanny, with
a gesture towards Olivia, who sat, _en tableau_ for injured innocence,
next a window.

Possibly, if any could have read Mr. Kennyfeck's sentiments at that
instant, they would have recognized the sufferings of a true martyr. To
his own heart he muttered,--

"This is very hard; it is being called upon to reply to a case without a
copy of the affidavits."

At length, with a courage that he did not believe he was capable of, he
said,--

"I am confused, Mrs. Kennyfeck; I am overwhelmed; I may submit a plea of
surprise--that is, I would move the court, I mean--in fact, I must beg
you will permit me to adjourn this case."

And with these words, and in an agitation very unusual with him, he
hastened from the room. Scarcely had the door closed after him, than he
reopened it, and putting in his head, said,--

"I should have told you, Mrs. Kennyfeck, that Mr. Cashel intends to pay
a visit here to-day."

And so saying, he shut the door and departed.

"At last, sir!" exclaimed Mrs. Kennyfeck, in a voice of exultation, "you
have been obliged to confess so much at least; but, rely on it, girls,
your father is acting under Cashel's dictation, or he never would dare
to tamper in this manner with _me_."

CHAPTER X. A STARTLING INTRUSION

Say what you will, good friend, I do persist,
I had him "covered" when you shook my wrist.

The Duel.

In a handsome drawing-room, where the light was judiciously tempered by
the slight folds of rose-colored curtains, while the air breathed the
faint delicious perfume of some hot-house flowers, sat Olivia Kennyfeck
alone. She was most simply but becomingly dressed, and in her hair, worn
in smooth bands on either cheek, a little sprig of Greek myrtle, with
its bright red berries, was interwoven, which served to show to even
greater advantage the delicate fairness of a skin tinged with the very
faintest blush. There was a soft pensive character in her beauty which
seemed to harmonize perfectly with the silent room and its scattered
objects of art. The very exclusion of all view appeared to add to the
effect; as t