the little hall was formerly an entrance into a large confessional or penitentiary, and so was the outer gate leading to it; Kate can tell the whole story; I know it very imperfectly. By the way, what has become of that curious fellow with the stutter, that used always to forget the most essential part of every story?" And we again plunged into reminiscences; half an hour must have elapsed, and I was just meditating some enquiries as to the existence in A----, of a party such as I had met at Carrington, when something scratched at the door; the handle turned, it opened, and in walked, in shawl and bonnet, but in unmistakeable _propriâ personâ_, my beautiful incognita, my nameless partner, the object of my search! followed by a huge majestic looking dog, shaggy and stern. I had risen as the door opened, and now stood transfixed, while the lady started, and blushed to the eyes. "Kate, my love," said her grandfather, "let me present Captain Egerton, an old acquaintance of mine." "And of mine too, grandpapa," she replied, with a smile indescribably arch, and recovering herself completely, "I had the pleasure of meeting Captain Egerton last week at Carrington, and it appears we had known each other long ago." "Oh! was this the gentleman; how extraordinary," and he laughed most heartily. Recovering my self-possession, I said, "I have been most anxious to apologise for encouraging your mistake the other evening, and came to A---- in the vague hope of discovering you for that purpose; but since Colonel Vernon is, I see, acquainted with the affair, he will, I am certain, admit the temptation was irresistible." "Faith I do, boy! but there was no mistake at all." "How?" I asked, again plunged in bewilderment. "Speak for yourself, Miss Kate," said the old gentleman.