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taining if this young man—whom I regard as a son, and upon whose honour I have always placed the most perfect reliance—has been seen by Lady Julian since he left me. I am aware of its being an extremely delicate question, under the circumstances, to put to Lady Julian—"

"Not at all—not at all! If she has not, she will say so: if she has, she will declare it."

"That is my only object in seeking an interview with her."

"Very well."

"I feel that you will appreciate my anxiety, when I explain to you that this young man's very existence is at stake."

"Has Sir Charles called him out, then?"

"He has."

"And does he intend to go?"

"I see no alternative."

"The meeting must not take place. If Sir Charles should happen to fall, the reputation of my daughter will be for ever lost! It must by some means be prevented."

"I am most anxious to prevent it; but how can it be done?"

"Who is his friend?"

"Sir William D'Almaine."

"But the friend of the accused?"

"He has referred them to me."

"Good. You are anxious to prevent it. You pledge me your honour that you wish to prevent it?"

"I do."

"Very good. Then it shall be done. Continue to act. I'll take care that you are not compromised. Continue to act. Under no other circumstances would I interfere, but in this case I feel bound to do so. And now come and speak to my daughter."

The general then led the way into the drawing-room, and on finding Lady Julian in tears, he exclaimed, "Are you my daughter, Louise, or are you not? Are you innocent, or are you not? If you are, act like the daughter of a soldier, and let us have no more tears."

Lady Julian seized the hand of Mr. Scholefield, and sobbed bitterly.

"Louise!" shouted the general, "is this the way to repel the attacks of an enemy?"

"Mr. Scholefield is no enemy, father," she replied.

"I didn't say that he was. If he had been, I shouldn't have brought him up here. But be firm. Be a woman. Don't act like a child. Mr. Scholefield wants to know whether you have or have not seen that young fellow since—since when?"

"Since he left me," said Mr. Scholefield. "You remember when he left me?"

"I do, perfectly," replied Lady Julian; "I have not seen him since."

"Neither last night nor at any other time?"

"Neither last night nor at any other time since he came with Mr. Scholefield."

"Very well," replied the general; "that point's settled. Is there any other question you wish to have answered?"