“Alas! that is too true, my dearest child--let me perish sooner than risk the honour of my children. Felipe Le Brun, Anita, is I believe the only man who can save us. He has influence with the government, all my floating capital is in his hands: I have long known, and placed confidence in him: it is he who has informed us of our present danger, and is prepared to assist us out of it. He has long loved you, Anita, and I believe he is not indifferent to you. I have this day promised him your hand in marriage, and given him the right as my intended son-in-law, and the heir of half my fortune, to secure what of my property he can on such short notice. Have I not done right, my love?” “Stop, father! stop!” cried Anita, labouring under the utmost agitation, “we have other friends as well as Señor Le Brun, and God knows we will need them all. What if the man who disregards the petitions of innocence for mercy, and despises the rights of property and laws of justice, with respect to the old and harmless, should as suddenly turn round on the young and active, should he become afraid of its power, or jealous of its exercise? Mr Thorne, who is bold, generous, and a foreigner, is here in the next room, let us ask his advice and assistance. What say you, Señor Le Brun?” “Certainly, let Mr Thorne be called in for advice, if Señor Mendoza has no objections.” “I do object, my dear child. Mr Thorne has been the cause--unwittingly, I allow, but still he has been the cause--of hurrying on our fate. He has already,” said the old man, echoing the sentiments of Le Brun, “rendered himself obnoxious to the whole body of Masorcheros. None, my dear child, can save our property if it be not Le Brun: if the government be resolved to push things to extremities, Le Brun is the man whom I would trust.” “Anita,” said Le Brun, earnestly laying her hand in his, “cheer up, my brave girl--better days await us all yet. I flatter myself that I have influence with the government--how acquired it boots not now to state: that influence shall be exerted to the utmost to secure you father’s interests and safety. This is a strange time, Anita, to talk of love; often--often have I longed for a more favourable opportunity. I seek not to urge my suit by my power to save your father’s life--I protest against thus bargaining for your priceless affections. I am struggling to merit your love, not to buy it. When your father’s life and property are secured, I shall be in misery till I join you in your exile, and lay my fate and fortune at your feet. Say, dearest, shall we then forget all our past misfortunes, and seek for future happiness in the society of each other?” “Say yes, my child--give him your promise.” “When my father’s life is saved by YOU, I will,” and she sunk exhausted in her father’s arms.