Melchior then brought in another basket, and took away the former, and did not make his appearance till the next day. I now had recovered my strength, and determined to take some decided measures, but how to act I knew not. I reflected all night, and the next morning (that is, according to my supposition) I attacked the basket. Whether it was that ennui or weakness occasioned it, I cannot tell, but either way, I drank too much wine, and was ready for any daring deed, when Melchior again the door. "Sir Henry will not accept of your terms. I thought not," said Melchior, "I am sorry--very sorry." "Melchior," replied I, starting up; "let us have no more of this duplicity. I am not quite so ignorant as you suppose. I know who Fleta is, and who you are." "Indeed," replied Melchior; "perhaps you will explain?" "I will. You, Melchior, are Sir Henry de Clare; you succeeded to your estates by the death of your elder brother, from a fall when hunting." Melchior appeared astonished. "Indeed!" replied he; "pray go on. You have made a gentleman of me." "No; rather a scoundrel." "As you please; now will you make a lady of Fleta?" "Yes, I will. She is your niece." Melchior started back. "Your agent, M'Dermott, who was sent over to find out Fleta's abode, met me in the coach, and he has tracked me here, and risked my life, by telling the people that I was a tithe proctor." "Your information is very important," replied Melchior, "You will find some difficulty to prove all you say." "Not the least," replied I, flushed with anger and with wine, "I have proof positive. I have seen her mother, and I can identify the child by the necklace which was on her neck when you stole her." "Necklace!" cried Melchior. "Yes, the necklace put into my hands by your own wife when we parted." "Damn her!" replied Melchior. "Do not damn her; damn yourself for your villany, and its being brought to light. Have I said enough, or shall I tell you more?" "Pray tell me more." "No, I will not, for I must commit others, and that will not do," replied I; for I felt I had already said too much. "You have committed yourself, at all events," replied Melchior; "and now I tell you, that until--never mind," and Melchior hastened away. The door was again locked, and I was once more alone.