"There are other obstacles, Mr. Tyrrel. You talk of Mildred as if her heart were to be disposed of at my bidding. You do not know her. I have long struggled to subdue an attachment that has bound her to our worst enemy, I fear with little success. I have trusted to time to wear out what I deemed a mere girlish liking; but it seems to me the traces fade but slowly from her heart." "I know of whom you speak," said Tyrrel--"that harebrained enthusiast Butler. It is a freakish and transient passion, and cannot but fall into forgetfulness. Miss Lindsay has from circumstances been but little conversant with the world, and, like an inexperienced girl, has fostered in solitude a romantic affection. That alone should be a motive to remove her into a busier scene. Besides, this Butler will be himself forced to give over his hopeless aim--if he has not done so before this: measures are already taken, and I do not scruple to tell you, at my instance--to confiscate his lands in Carolina to his majesty's use. The close of this war will find him penniless, and not unlikely, my dear sir, I myself may be the possessor of his inheritance--I have some pledge of the preemption of these lands at a small fee." "It will win you no favor with Mildred," said Lindsay, "to tell her that you succeed by such a title to this man's wealth. She is a wayward girl, and is not used to crosses. Her devotion to her purpose, as it sometimes excites my admiration, gives me, in the present case, cause of profound alarm." "You have spoken to her on this subject?" "I have not," replied Lindsay, "and almost fear to broach it. I can, therefore, give you no encouragement. Some little time hence--perhaps to-morrow--I may sound her feelings. But remember, as her father, I claim no right beyond that of advice. I shall think myself fortunate if, by giving a new direction to the current of her affections, I can divert her mind from the thoughts of an alliance to me the most hateful--to her full of future misery. A maiden's fancies are scarcely intelligible even to a father." "These subjects require meditation," said Tyrrel. "I will not press them further upon your thoughts to-night." "Heaven guide us in the way of safety and happiness!" said Lindsay, almost in a whisper. "Good night, my friend."