"I have come," said Dorcas, more composedly, "to ask, to implore you, Mr. Tremenhere, by the friendship which no unfortunate circumstance has banished from my thoughts--to leave this place, and forget any foolish words which may have passed between you and Minnie. Believe me, all pursuit will be vain--her uncle _never_ will consent."
Skaife looked anxiously for the reply. Tremenhere rose impetuously:--"Madam," he cried, "in what light am I to regard this visit, with which you have honoured me?--as a friendly one, or as one dictated by Mr. Formby?"
"I come at my own heart's dictating," she answered meekly, "to one whom I liked, even though a wayward, impetuous boy--to one whom I sincerely pity; but whom, nevertheless, I cannot countenance as a suitor to my niece."
"As all these I gladly welcome you, except when bearing the last prohibition," Tremenhere replied, as he took her hand gently, and pressed his lip upon it with deep respect. "And, as Miss Dalzell's much-loved aunt, I reverence you, dear madam; nevertheless, in all candour, I must not deceive you. If Miss Dalzell love me, as I now believe her to do, not all the uncles or guardians in the world, could keep her so carefully but that my love and perseverance should reach, to confirm her in her affection, by the assurance of mine, unalterably hers!"
"Unless I am in great error," said Skaife, after a moment's intense thought, "the acquaintance between yourself and Miss Dalzell is of very recent date?"
"It cannot be of many weeks," answered Dorcas, clinging to the hope that Skaife's words implied, of its being little matured.
"What signifies date in love?" cried Tremenhere. "The heart rejects all such. The brightest flowers are those blushing to light in half an hour's sunshine!"
"And they fade as soon!" ejaculated Dorcas. "Oh, pray, Mr. Tremenhere! relinquish this mad thought; or leave here for awhile: let time decide upon the durability of your affections."
"And leave her," he cried, with a scornful laugh, "to the tender mercies of a guardian, who, for so slight a seeming fault as half an hour passed in an old ruin, with one she knew from childhood, can dare to use violence towards her? Oh, no! Had you, dear madam, unadvisedly done so, I would plead to your good sense and justice; but with men I war as a man should. What I may do, I know not; but whilst Miss Dalzell is confined on my account, and unjustly treated, I am bound by honour, as well as love, to stay and defend her."