young lady. But he expected no restiveness, no opposition, but a polite acquiescence.

Auget Smith Auget would not, at first, believe the fact, that it was intended to transfer Emily from one party to another, as a matter of business, apart from feeling. He opposed the scheme sternly and immovably; but, to differ, was his forte and his habit, and as such was his opposition considered. The son could not, at length, speak calmly. His cool entreaty and deliberate argument were disregarded. He felt his cheek flush, as he indignantly exposed the scorn and contempt that must inevitably arise, in all honourable minds, when the pitiful piece of diplomacy should be known. His championship of the right exasperated Mr. Auget. A title and a coronet were not every-day offers. On no account could they be neglected. Charging, therefore, Smith Auget with unworthy motives, undutiful conduct, and hostility to a parent and the prosperity of his family, the father had dismissed the son, with a terrible announcement of an intention to cut him off at once from his inheritance.

Emily heard the account with trembling.

"If he treats one in this manner who has but taken my part," said she, again unable to restrain herself from weeping, "what must await me? for, Henry, I cannot-indeed I cannot forsake you."

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"Do not be alarmed, my Emily," rejoined Henry Molyneux, so quietly, so sweetly, that again every idea of alarm vanished. Only be firm, and true to me, we have nothing to fear. My dear fellow," continued he to his

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friend, Smith Auget, 'you certainly allow yourself to be too much cast down. Mr. Auget was irritated by your just and honourable opposition. He spoke violently. It is passed. It was but a sudden gust. He will have forgotten what escaped him in his heat."

"You know not all," replied Smith Auget. "I have done more. I have committed myself past forgiveness. I have taken, on my own responsibility, measures to make his lordship acquainted with every previous arrangement. He is a man of honour. Ere this his hopes are ended; and to my father I have set

an irrevocable seal upon my crime. I cannot hope for forgiveness."

Henry Molyneux became wrapped in consideration of what he had heard. His imagination was exciting him with the possible consequences of the displeasure which, for his sake, his friend had awakened in a father. A thought came across him—it was a vivid one. If the only son were punished by the threatened disinheritance, the vast estates and the princely revenue of Mr. Auget would devolve on Emily alone.

Emily's voice brought him back from fancy to reality.

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Auget," cried Molyneux, "this estrangement must not be- -it shall not be. Your father may have been impetuous, but shall not prove unjust. Trust this delicate affair to me; do not yourself further irritate by attempts at reconciliation. My offices shall restore harmony, believe me.-But who are these?" exclaimed he, as footsteps were heard approaching the door.

All eyes turned in that direction. Smith Auget instantly rose, and Emily drew near to

VOL. II.

H

Henry Molyneux, as they beheld the door open, and Mr. and Mrs. Auget, with stately, measured gait, and imperturbable countenances, slowly advance up the room, until they arrived within three or four yards of the party.

CHAPTER IX.

"The dawn is overcast, the morning lowers,
And heavily, in clouds, brings on the day-
The great, the important day - big with the fate

Of Cato and of Rome."

ADDISON.

It was evident that high destinies were about to be decided.

The brow of Mr. Auget was knit.

"Mrs. Auget, will you be kind enough to take a seat?" commenced the gentleman, with solemnity, bowing towards a chair which chanced to stand apart from the rest, in a kind of dignified solitude. "Mr. Molyneux, you, also, will do us the favour of being seated. Miss Auget, you may retire to that sofa," continued the father, slowly waving his hand, to specify the precise locality. "And you, sir," said the offended parent to Smith