ng that Lord Byerdale has acted very strangely in this business,
and very ill. It may be out of regard for me; but it is a sort of
regard I do not understand; and, were it not that I am sure my dear
Laura has never for a moment doubted me, I should say that he in some
degree compromised my honour, by making that consent a condition of
your father's safety, which should only be granted to affection and
esteem."
Laura coloured slightly, to think that she had even doubted for an
instant: but Wilton went on, relaxing the graver look that had come
over his countenance, and saying, "We must not, however, my dear
Laura, refuse to take the happiness that is offered to us, unless,
indeed, you should think it very, very terrible to give me this dear
hand so soon; and even then I think my Laura would overcome such
feelings, when they are to benefit her father."
"I do not feel it so terrible, Wilton," replied Lady Laura, "as I did
ten minutes ago. If I thought that you had made the condition, it
would seem so much more as if you were a stranger to me, that it
might be terrible. But when I hear you speak as you do now, Wilton, I
feel that I could trust myself with you anywhere, that I could go
away with you at any moment, perfectly secure of my future happiness;
and so I reply, Wilton, that I am not only willing, but very
willing."
"We must lose no time, then, dear Laura," replied Wilton, "in making
all our arrangements. I must now, indeed, have the measure of that
small finger, and I must speed away to Lord Byerdale with all haste,
in order to learn the means that are to be employed for your father's
escape. I must inquire a little, too, into his motives, Laura, and
add some reproaches for his having so compromised me."
"For Heaven's sake, do not--for Heaven's sake, do not!" cried Laura.
"My father would never forgive me, if, in consequence of anything I
had said, you and Lord Byerdale were to have any dispute upon the
matter, and the business were to fail."
"Oh, fear not, fear not, Laura," replied Wilton, smiling at her
eagerness: "there is no fear of any dispute."
"Nay, but promise me," she said--"promise me, Wilton."
"I do promise you, dear Laura," he replied, "that nothing on earth
which depends upon me, for your father's liberation or escape, shall
be wanting, and I promise you more, my beloved Laura, that I will not
quarrel with the means, because my Laura's hand is to be mine at
once."
"Well, Wilton," continued Laura, still fearful that something might