your vanity, or
very creditable to my penetration, and, therefore, I had rather not make
it."

"I see you suspect me, so you may as well know the truth."

Saying which, he threw off some outward disguises, and stood before the
astonished maiden--LOUIS DURANT himself!

"You see me, Ellen Walton, and in me your worst enemy, because you will not
permit me to be a friend. I have made the present attempt to win you by
stratagem, in the not very sanguine hope of success. I have failed--now for
my revenge. Know that all I have said concerning my plans, and the net I
have woven around you, is true. You are now in my power, and I only forbear
taking you captive at this time because I wish you to live for a short
period in dread and suspense, as you once made me."

"Keep to the truth, sir, in making your statements."

"I intend to; and so bid you beware, and _to escape if you can!_"

"I have a very comfortable expectation for the future, thank you."

"Well, cherish it, then; hug it close, for it will be short lived, I give
you fair warning."

"The warnings of a man who comes with the tissue of falsehood, are of
little worth. Keep them to yourself."

"Beware how you presume on my forbearance; it may give way."

"I presume on nothing but your cowardice."

"Enough! enough! I will bear no more! I go, but you will see me soon again!
_Your doom is sealed!_ '_Cowardice!_' This from a woman! Gods! but I'll
remember this in my revenge!"

He started, as if to leave the place, but turned again, and said.

"Girl, I dislike to leave you in this manner. For the love I bear you, I
would still see you happy--happy as a wife and not a despised outcast--the
scorn of society. You might once have been my honorable bride; yes, you
might still be. Passing by all your insults, I would still offer you my
hand, and honorable marriage."

"Infamous villain! how dare you insult my self-respect by even naming such
a thing? Never dare again, to couple my name with yours! never, sir! It is
the basest sacrilege to humanity!"

"Very well. Our _names_ shall _not_ be coupled; our _destinies shall be!_
Go, with the consoling thought to cheer you for a few fleeting hours. Here
I stand and swear it--witness my oath, ye trees! witness it, earth and sky!
and, if such beings there are, witness it, angels and devils--_Ellen Walton
shall be mine!_"

He was so deeply absorbed in calling on his witnesses, he noticed nothing
about him, and now looking to