Sir Edgar was so overcome with indignation, that for several minutes, though he strove to repress his feelings, he could not sufficiently calm himself to reply. Then, however, he spoke at length, and with all the bitterness which, viewing Hildebrand’s error in the light now laid down, might be expected from a man of honour, and a parent. Though he had yet something to say, Don Felix, with characteristic cunning, suffered Sir Edgar to talk himself out, when he opened to him what he deemed a more exciting subject. “I fear me, he hath even done harm here,” he said. “An’ it be so, my peace, which he hath already disturbed, is utterly lost, and ’twill scarcely go less grievous with Evaline.” Sir Edgar’s cheeks burned again. “He hath never dared to trifle with her,” he said, in tremulous accents. “I am much afeard he hath,” answered Don Felix. “Go to! I will see her on the matter,” returned Sir Edgar. “I have promised her to thee of old, and, if she tender my honour, thou shalt have her. I will write off to Sir Walter to be thy surety to the Government; and directly his answer comes, allowing of thy sojourn here, you shall be wedded. Let us despatch the letter at once.” Writing materials were ready at hand, and, as he ceased speaking, Sir Edgar turned to them, and proceeded to write the proposed letter. When it was finished, old Adam Green, whom he employed before any in matters of trust, was summoned from without, and directed to convey it to the next post-town. Adam entered on the errand without delay; but his retirement from the chamber, preparatory to setting out, afforded Sir Edgar and Don Felix no opportunity of resuming their conversation; for just as he left them to themselves, they were joined by Evaline. The fair girl, to judge from her appearance, had passed a restless night; but, seeing her father look sad, she smiled on her entry, and greeted him with constrained cheerfulness. To please him, too, she even relaxed her bearing towards Don Felix, and saluted that cavalier with the utmost complaisance. Nevertheless, her assumed composure was but short-lived, and she sat down to their morning meal, which had been waiting for her appearance, in thoughtful silence. As none of them was disposed to converse, much less to extend the appetite, their breakfast sustained no interruption, and was speedily despatched. This done, Don Felix arose; and, stating that he had some business at Exeter, which required his instant attention, quitted the chamber, and left Sir Edgar and Evaline to themselves. They sat full of thought for several minutes, when Sir Edgar, in a low voice, and agitated withal, broke the silence. “Evaline, I have some ill tidings for thee,” he said. Evaline started. “What may they import, Sir?” she asked, in a faltering tone. “’Twill grieve thee to hear, yet must I tell thee, notwithstanding,” answered Sir Edgar. “God give thee grace to bear them meetly!” “Amen!” ejaculated Evaline, crossing herself.