“In the name of your lamented parent, whose memory I shall for ever revere, I implore you to answer me,” urged Kneebone, “why--why would you not accept him?” “Because our positions are different,” replied Winifred, who could not resist this appeal to her feelings. “You are a paragon of prudence and discretion,” rejoined the woollen-draper, drawing his chair closer to hers. “Disparity of rank is ever productive of unhappiness in the married state. When Captain Darrell's birth is ascertained, I've no doubt he'll turn out a nobleman's son. At least, I hope so for his sake as well as my own,” he added, mentally. “He has quite the air of one. And now, my angel, that I am acquainted with your sentiments on this subject, I shall readily fulfil a promise which I made to your lamented parent, whose loss I shall ever deplore.” “A promise to my mother?” said Winifred, unsuspiciously. “Yes, my angel, to _her_--rest her soul! She extorted it from me, and bound me by a solemn oath to fulfil it.” “Oh! name it.” “You are a party concerned. Promise me that you will not disobey the injunctions of her whose memory we must both of us ever revere. Promise me.” “If in my power--certainly. But, what is it! What _did_ you promise?” “To offer you my heart, my hand, my life,” replied Kneebone, falling at her feet. “Sir!” exclaimed Winifred, rising. “Inequality of rank can be no bar to _our_ union,” continued Kneebone. “Heaven be praised, _I_ am not the son of a nobleman.” In spite of her displeasure, Winifred could not help smiling at the absurdity of this address. Taking this for encouragement, her suitor proceeded still more extravagantly. Seizing her hand he covered it with kisses. “Adorable girl!” he cried, in the most impassioned tone, and with the most impassioned look he could command. “Adorable girl, I have long loved you to desperation. Your lamented mother, whose loss I shall ever deplore, perceived my passion and encouraged it. Would she were alive to back my suit!” “This is beyond all endurance,” said Winifred, striving to withdraw her hand. “Leave me, Sir; I insist.” “Never!” rejoined Kneebone, with increased ardour,--“never, till I receive from your own lips the answer which is to make me the happiest or the most miserable of mankind. Hear me, adorable girl! You know not the extent of my devotion. No mercenary consideration influences me. Love--admiration for your matchless beauty alone sways me. Let your father--if he chooses, leave all his wealth to his adopted son. I care not. Possessed of _you_, I shall have a treasure such as kings could not boast.” “Pray cease this nonsense,” said Winifred, “and quit the room, or I will call for assistance.” At this juncture, the door opened, and Thames entered the room. As the woollen-draper's back was towards him, he did not perceive him, but continued his passionate addresses.