me when it is so much for your advantage to consent, how shall I trust you to-morrow, when I shall stand committed in your undertaking, and unable to retract?"
"And am I to understand, that, if you can be made my son-in-law to-night, our friendship is renewed?" said Ellieslaw.
"Most infallibly, and most inviolably," replied Sir Frederick.
"Then," said Vere, "though what you ask is premature, indelicate, and unjust towards my character, yet, Sir Frederick, give me your hand—my daughter shall be your wife."
"This night?"
"This very night," replied Ellieslaw, "before the clock strikes twelve."
"With her own consent, I trust," said Mareschal, "for I promise you both, gentlemen, I will not stand tamely by, and see any violence put on the will of my pretty kinswoman."
"Another pest in this hot-headed fel-
