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of the O'Maras; he looked back in the
direction in which he had left his
companion; and leaning upon the battlement;
he ruminated long and moodily。 At
length he raised himself and said:
'He loves the girl; and WILL love her
moreI have an opportunity of winning
favour; of doing service; which shall bind
him to me; yes; he shall have the girl; if
I have art to compass the matter。 I must
think upon it。'
He entered the avenue and was soon
lost in the distance。
Days and weeks passed on; and young
O'Mara daily took his rod and net; and
rambled up the river; and scarce twelve
hours elapsed in which some of those
accidents; which invariably bring lovers
together; did not secure him a meeting of
longer or shorter duration; with the
beautiful girl whom he so fatally
loved。
One evening; after a long interview with
her; in which he had been almost irresistibly
prompted to declare his love; and
had all but yielded himself up to the
passionate impulse; upon his arrival at
home he found a letter on the table
awaiting his return; it was from his
father to the following effect:
'To Richard O'Mara。
'September; 17; Lm; England。
'MY DEAR SON;
'I have just had a severe attack of
my old and almost forgotten enemy; the
gout。 This I regard as a good sign; the
doctors telling me that it is the safest
development of peccant humours; and I
think my chest is less tormenting and
oppressed than I have known it for some
years。 My chief reason for writing to
you now; as I do it not without difficulty;
is to let you know my pleasure in certain
matters; in which I suspect some shameful;
and; indeed; infatuated neglect on your
part; 〃quem perdere vult deus prius
dementat:〃 how comes it that you have
neglected to write to Lady Emily or any of
that family? the understood relation
subsisting between you is one of extreme
delicacy; and which calls for marked and
courteous; nay; devoted attention upon
your side。 Lord is already offended;
beware what you do; for as you will find;
if this match be lost by your fault or folly;
by I will cut you off with a shilling。
I am not in the habit of using threats
when I do not mean to fulfil them; and
that you well know; however I do not
think you have much real cause for alarm
in this case。 Lady Emily; who; by the
way; looks if possible more charming than
ever; is anything but hard…hearted; at
least when YOU solicit; but do as I desire;
and lose no time in making what excuse
you may; and let me hear from you when
you can fix a time to join me and your
mother here。
'Your sincere well…wisher and father;
'RICHARD O'MARA。'
In this letter was inclosed a smaller one;
directed to Dwyer; and containing a
cheque for twelve pounds; with the following
words:
'Make use of the enclosed; and let me
hear if Richard is upon any wild scheme
at present: I am uneasy about him; and
not without reason; report to me speedily
the result of your vigilance。
'R。 O'MARA。'
Dwyer just glanced through this brief;
but not unwelcome; epistle; and deposited
it and its contents in the secret recesses of
his breeches pocket; and then fixed his
eyes upon the face of his companion; who
sat opposite; utterly absorbed in the perusal
of his father's letter; which he read again
and again; pausing and muttering between
whiles; and apparently lost in no very
pleasing reflections。 At length he very
abruptly exclaimed:
'A delicate epistle; trulyand a politic
would that my tongue had been burned
through before I assented to that doubly…
cursed contract。 Why; I am not pledged
yetI am not; there is neither writing;
nor troth; nor word of honour; passed
between us。 My father has no right to
pledge me; even though I told him I liked
the girl; and would wish the match。 'Tis
not enough that my father offers her my
heart and hand; he has no right to do it;
a delicate woman would not accept professions
made by proxy。 Lady Emily! Lady
Emily! with all the tawdry frippery; and
finery of dress and demeanourcompare
HER with Pshaw! Ridiculous! How
blind; how idiotic I have been。'
He relapsed into moody reflections;
which Dwyer did not care to disturb; and
some ten minutes might have passed before
he spoke again。 When he did; it was in
the calm tone of one who has irrevocably
resolved upon some decided and important
act。
'Dwyer;' he said; rising and approaching
that person; 'whatever god or demon told
you; even before my own heart knew it;
that I loved Ellen Heathcote; spoke truth。
I love her madlyI never dreamed till
now how fervently; how irrevocably; I am
hershow dead to me all other interests
are。 Dwyer; I know something of your
disposition; and you no doubt think it
strange that I should tell to you; of all
persons; SUCH a secret; but whatever be
your faults; I think you are attached to
our family。 I am satisfied you will not
betray me。 I know'
'Pardon me;' said Dwyer; 'if I say that
great professions of confidence too
frequently mark distrust。 I have no possible
motive to induce me to betray you; on the
contrary; I would gladly assist and direct
whatever plans you may have formed。
Command me as you please; I have said
enough。'
'I will not doubt you; Dwyer;' said
O'Mara; ' I have taken my resolutionI
have; I think; firmness to act up to it。 To
marry Ellen Heathcote; situated as I am;
were madness; to propose anything else
were worse; were villainy not to be named。
I will leave the country to…morrow; cost
what pain it may; for England。 I will at
once break off the proposed alliance with
Lady Emily; and will wait until I am my
own master; to open my heart to Ellen。
My father may say and do what he likes;
but his passion will not last。 He will
forgive me; and even were he to disinherit
me; as he threatens; there is some property
which must descend to me; which his will
cannot affect。 He cannot ruin my
interests; he SHALL NOT ruin my happiness。
Dwyer; give me pen and ink; I will write
this moment。'
This bold plan of proceeding for many
reasons appeared inexpedient to Dwyer;
and he determined not to consent to its
adoption without a struggle。
'I commend your prudence;' said he; 'in
determining to remove yourself from the
fascinating influence which has so long
bound you here; but beware of offending
your father。 Colonel O'Mara is not a man
to forgive an act of deliberate disobedience;
and surely you are not mad enough to
ruin yourself with him by offering an out…
rageous insult to Lady Emily and to her
family in her person; therefore you must
not break off the understood contract which
subsists between you by any formal act
hear me out patiently。 You must let Lady
Emily perceive; as you easily may; without
rudeness o