Soon after the removal of the cloth the ladies withdrew, and Eugene was called to his catechism, but he was soon released, for the Tokay had made her father sleepy, while it seemed to have emboldened Mr. Arden, since he came forth with direct intent to engross Harriet; and Sir Amyas wandered towards Betty, apologising for the interruption. “It is a rare occasion,” said she as her pupil scampered away. “Happy child, to be taught by so good a sister,” said the young baronet, regretfully. “Your young half-brothers and sisters must be of about the same age,” said Betty. “My little brother, Archer, is somewhat younger. He is with my mother in London, the darling of the ladies, who think him a perfect beauty, and laugh at all his mischievous pranks. As to my little sisters, you will be surprised to hear that I have only seen them once, when I rode with their father to see them at the farm houses at which they are nursed.” “No doubt they are to be fetched home, since Mrs. Dove is gone to wait on them, and my Lady said something of intending my sister to be with her young children.” “Nay, she must have no such troublesome charge. My mother cannot intend anything of the kind. I shall see that she is treated as---” Betty, beginning to perceive that he knew as little of his own mother as did the rest of his sex, here interrupted him. “Excuse me, sir, I doubt not of your kind intentions, but let me speak, for Aurelia is a very precious child to me, and I am afraid that any such attempt on your part might do her harm rather than good. She must be content with the lot of a poor dependant.” “Never!” he exclaimed. “She is a Delavie; and besides, no other ever shall be my wife.” “Hush, hush!” Betty had been saying before the words were out of his “You are but a silly boy, begging your Honour’s pardon, though you speak, I know, with all your heart. What would your Lady mother say or do to my poor little sister if she heard you?” “She could but send her home, and then flood and fire could not hold me from her.” “I wish that were the worst she could do. No, Sir Amyas Belamour, if you have any kindness for the poor helpless girl under your mother’s roof, you will make no advance to excite alarm or anger against her. Remember it is she who will be the sufferer and not yourself. The woman, however guiltless, is sure to fall under suspicion and bear the whole penalty. And oh! what would become of her, defenceless, simple, unprotected as she is?” “Yet you sent her!” said he. “Yes,” said Betty, sadly, “because there was no other choice between breaking with my Lady altogether.” He made an ejaculation under his breath, half sad, half violent, and exclaimed, “Would that I were of age, or my father were returned.” “But now you know all, you will leave my child in peace,” said Betty. “What, you would give me no hope!”