and your threats," replied John Ferguson, "I both equally
scorn to notice. Since you have chosen to act the part of eavesdropper,
you have certainly overheard our conversation; but my question was
directed to Miss Rainsfield, not to you; therefore, I decline
recognising your interference. If Miss Rainsfield desires me to leave
her presence, I will do so instantly, and--

"Oh, no, no, Mr. Ferguson," sobbed Eleanor, "don't leave me with
that--with Mr. Smithers."

"I would not leave you, but in the care of your friends," replied John;
and then continuing his remark to Smithers, he said, "and if I hear,
from her own lips, that she acknowledges her engagement to you, from the
respect which I entertain for her, I will at once withdraw my
pretensions."

"Ask her," exclaimed Smithers; "let her answer for herself."

"Is it so, Miss Rainsfield?" asked our dejected hero; "make no scruple
of answering, for fear of giving _me_ pain, I am perfectly inured to its
trials."

Poor Eleanor essayed to speak, but she could not; her heart was too full
for utterance, and she covered her face with her hands, and burst into
tears.

"Speak, Eleanor," cried Smithers, "and tell him, whether or not you are
engaged to me."

Eleanor took her hands from her face, and with an effort, which cost her
her consciousness, exclaimed, "I am;" and immediately sank to the ground
insensible. John stooped to raise her prostrate form, but was rudely
pushed on one side by his opponent; who exclaimed, with an oath, that
"he would knock him down if he dared to lay a finger on the lady."

"At any other time," cried John, "and under any other circumstances, I
would have resented your insult in a manner that would have given you
cause to remember me; at present, however, I shall consider you beneath
even my contempt. This young lady was entrusted to my protection by her
own family, who are not far distant; so touch me again at your peril;"
saying which he advanced, and lifted the inanimate form of his beloved
Eleanor.

"What is the meaning of this?" cried Mrs. Rainsfield, as she burst upon
the scene. "What, Eleanor fainted?" and she flew to the assistance of
her cousin, who under her sympathetic administration speedily exhibited
signs of returning consciousness. Then having time to address herself to
the parties about her, Mrs. Rainsfield at once turned to Smithers, and
in a voice, and with a look of scorn, said: "I perceive you, sir, are
the cause of this,