steady; but I have nothing new to say; and must entreat you to dispense with fruitless repetitions. Already, I fear, I am beyond the hour of my engagement."

She was now departing.

"You distract me!" cried he, with vehemence, "you distract me!" He caught her gown, but, upon her stopping, instantly let it go. Pale and affrighted, "Mr. Harleigh," she cried, "is it to you I must own a scene that may raise wonder and surmises in the house, and aggravate distresses and embarrassments which, already, I find nearly intolerable?"

Shocked and affected, he shut the door, and would impetuously, yet tenderly, have taken her hand; but, upon her shrinking back, with displeasure and alarm, he more quietly said, "Pardon! pardon! and before you condemn me inexorably to submit to such rigorous disdain and contempt———"

"Why will you use such words?