"Did not you guard against the possibility by securing the brother? More worth while to do it with this man. Hark ye! the politics of private are like those of public life,--when the state can't crush a demagogue, it should entice him over. If you can ruin this dog" (and Lilburne stamped his foot fiercely, forgetful of the gout), "ruin him! hang him! If you can't" (and here with a wry face he caressed the injured foot), "if you can't ('sdeath, what a twinge!), and he can ruin you,--bring him into the family, and make his secret ours! I must go and lie down--I have overexcited myself." In great perplexity Beaufort repaired at once to Camilla. His nervous agitation betrayed itself, though he smiled a ghastly smile, and intended to be exceeding cool and collected. His questions, which confused and alarmed her, soon drew out the fact that the very first time Vaudemont had been introduced to her he had spoken of the Mortons; and that he had often afterwards alluded to the subject, and seemed at first strongly impressed with the notion that the younger brother was under Beaufort's protection; though at last he appeared reluctantly convinced of the contrary. Robert, however agitated, preserved at least enough of his natural slyness not to let out that he suspected Vaudemont to be Philip Morton himself, for he feared lest his daughter should betray that suspicion to its object. "But," he said, with a look meant to win confidence, "I dare say he knows these young men. I should like myself to know more about them. Learn all you can, and tell me, and, I say--I say, Camilla,--he! he! he!--you have made a conquest, you little flirt, you! Did he, this Vaudemont, ever say how much he admired you?" "He!--never!" said Camilla, blushing, and then turning pale. "But he looks it. Ah! you say nothing, then. Well, well, don't discourage him; that is to say,--yes, don't discourage him. Talk to him as much as you can,--ask him about his own early life. I've a particular wish to know--'tis of great importance to me." "But, my dear father," said Camilla, trembling and thoroughly bewildered, "I fear this man,--I fear--I fear--" Was she going to add, "I fear myself?" I know not; but she stopped short, and burst into tears. "Hang these girls!" muttered Mr. Beaufort, "always crying when they ought to be of use to one. Go down, dry your eyes, do as I tell you,-- get all you can from him. Fear him!--yes, I dare say she does!" muttered the poor man, as he closed the door.