st. Allow me to observe, however,
that you are still covering me with your pistol, and that, as your hand
is rather tremulous, it is more than possible that it may go off. If
you don't turn the muzzle down I shall be compelled in self-defence to
strike you over the wrist with my stick."

"What the deuce brought you here, then?" he asked, in a more composed
voice, putting his weapon back into his bosom. "Can't a gentleman live
quietly without your coming to peep and pry? Have you no business
of your own to look after, eh? And my daughter? how came you to know
anything of her? and what have you been trying to squeeze out of her? It
wasn't chance that brought you here."

"No," said I boldly, "it was not chance which brought me here. I have
had several opportunities of seeing your daughter and of appreciating
her many noble qualities. We are engaged to be married to each other,
and I came up with the express intention of seeing her."

Instead of blazing into a fury, as I had expected, the general gave a
long whistle of astonishment, and then leant up against the railings,
laughing softly to himself.

"English terriers are fond of nosing worms," he remarked at last. "When
we brought them out to India they used to trot off into the jungle and
begin sniffing at what, they imagined to be worms there. But the worm
turned out to be a venomous snake, and so poor doggy played no more. I
think you'll find yourself in a somewhat analogous position if you don't
look out."

"You surely don't mean to cast an aspersion upon your own daughter?" I
said, flushing with indignation.

"Oh, Gabriel is all right," he answered carelessly. "Our family is not
exactly one, however, which I should recommend a young fellow to marry
into. And pray how is it that I was not informed of this snug little
arrangement of yours?"

"We were afraid, sir, that you might separate us," I replied, feeling
that perfect candour was the best policy under the circumstances. "It is
possible that we were mistaken. Before coming to any final decision, I
implore you to remember that the happiness of both of us is at stake. It
is in your power to divide our bodies, but our souls shall be for ever
united."

"My good fellow," said the general, in a not unkindly tone, "you don't
know what you are asking for. There is a gulf between you and any one of
the blood of Heatherstone which can never be bridged over."

All trace of anger had vanished now from his manner, and