"I should have a security, Skaife. They could not force her; and we could but acknowledge our union, even though before the time I myself should wish to do so. I would be again master of the house yonder, before I claimed her." "You are too sanguine, I fear, in your hopes. I do not for an instant suspect your rights; but I do your power of proving them. There have been too wily persons at work for you ever to discover the lost clue. Seven years have passed, and, were Miss Dalzell your wife, could you patiently wait and labour as many more--perhaps even then without success--and leave her your unacknowledged wife?" "Pshaw!" replied Tremenhere impatiently, "you argue like a man--a clergyman, bound to give good advice--and one who has never loved!" He was quite ignorant that the other had ever been a suitor of Minnie's. Skaife looked fixedly at him--then, turning aside, choked down a sigh, and answered with seeming calmness-- "Not as a mere clergyman by profession--bound to throw in his advice on every occasion where there is an opportunity, for form's sake; but as a sincere friend to both. Tremenhere, I beseech you, think well on all you do respecting Miss Dalzell. _I_ believe her to possess strong affections, and far more strength of mind than you give her credit for." "It may be so. I am sure she loves me now; but she is very young, and ignorant of the world. How could she be certain of resisting the threats and importunities of my enemies?" "If so weak, how would she be able to pass through the world, and its many devious paths? How never swerve from the straight one? You wrong her; believe me, she is stronger than you imagine in soul and mind." "Well, perhaps so--I hope so; but, as my wife, _I_ should ever be there to sustain her." "Not always, perhaps. Depend upon it, a woman never shows her true strength, of either virtue or forbearance, until she has to rely upon herself _alone_. Much as I wish to oblige you, Tremenhere, my anxiety to _serve_ both, is greater. I cannot be a party to any secret marriage. I _know_ it would not be for the happiness of either." "Thank you, Skaife," answered the other, offering his hand in all candour of heart. "I know whatever you do, is conscientiously done; so now for my last hope. In peace, adieu!" And they parted. CHAPTER XVI. Juvenal sat in the library, concocting a letter to his counsellor and friend, Burton, when the servant threw open the door, and announced "Mr. Tremenhere." Juvenal was not a very courageous man, more especially unsupported; the pen slid from his fingers, and he staggered to his feet. "Stop!" he cried to the servant, but the voice was so faint that the man did not hear it; then he made a sort of rush towards the bell, but catching the other's calm, contemptuous smile, he stopped irresolute. "Pardon me, Mr. Formby," said Miles quietly; "but I think this interview were as well between ourselves: I see you are about summoning witnesses."