“Call as you please, beloved girl,” he cried, “I will not stir till I am answered. You say that you only love Captain Darrell as a brother--” “Mr. Kneebone!” “That you would not accept him were he to offer--” “Be silent, Sir.” “He then,” continued the woollen-draper, “is no longer considered--” “How, Sir?” cried Thames, advancing, “what is the meaning of your reference to my name? Have you dared to insult this lady? If so--” “Insult her!” replied Kneebone, rising, and endeavouring to hide his embarrassment under a look of defiance. “Far from, it, Sir. I have made her an honourable proposal of marriage, in compliance with the request of her lamented parent, whose memory--” “Dare to utter that falsehood in my hearing again, scoundrel,” interrupted Thames fiercely, “and I will put it out of your power to repeat the offence. Leave the room! leave the house, Sir! and enter it again at your peril.” “I shall do neither, Sir,” replied Kneebone, “unless I am requested by this lady to withdraw,--in which case I shall comply with her request. And you have to thank her presence, hot-headed boy, that I do not chastise your insolence as it deserves.” “Go, Mr. Kneebone,--pray go!” implored Winifred. “Thames, I entreat--” “Your wishes are my laws, beloved, girl,” replied Kneebone, bowing profoundly. “Captain Darren,” he added, sternly, “you shall hear from me.” “When you please, Sir,” said Thames, coldly. And the woollen-draper departed. “What is all this, dear Winny?” inquired Thames, as soon as they were alone. “Nothing--nothing,” she answered, bursting into tears. “Don't ask me about it now.” “Winny,” said Thames, tenderly, “something which that self-sufficient fool has said has so far done me a service in enabling me to speak upon a subject which I have long had upon my lips, but have not had courage to utter.” “Thames!” “You seem to doubt my love,” he continued,--“you seem to think that change of circumstances may produce some change in my affections. Hear me then, now, before I take one step to establish my origin, or secure my rights. Whatever those rights may be, whoever I am, my heart is yours. Do you accept it?” “Dear Thames!” “Forgive this ill-timed avowal of my love. But, answer me. Am I mistaken? Is your heart mine?” “It is--it is; and has ever been,” replied Winifred, falling upon his neck. Lovers' confidences should be respected. We close the chapter. CHAPTER VII. JACK SHEPPARD WARNS THAMES DARRELL.