"Suffer me, Miss Aubrey, but one word more," he continued eagerly, apprehensive that she was about to check him. "Were you but aware of the circumstances under which I come to throw myself at your feet--myself, and all I have--nor is that little, for I am independent of the world as far as fortune is concerned--I shall soon be in the House of Commons"--Miss Aubrey exhibited still more unequivocal symptoms of impatience--"and forever have abandoned the hateful walk in life to which for the last few years"---- "I suppose I _must_ listen to you, sir, however uselessly to yourself and disagreeable and painful to me. If, after all I have said, you choose to persevere," said Miss Aubrey, with calm displeasure---- But Gammon proceeded--"I say, Miss Aubrey, that could you but catch a glimpse--one momentary glimpse--of the troubles--the dangers which lurk around you all--infinitely greater than any which you have even yet experienced, severe and terrible though these have been--which are every day coming nearer and nearer to you"---- "What _do_ you mean, Mr. Gammon?" interrupted Miss Aubrey, alarmedly. "--And which, eager and anxious as may, and shall be, my efforts, I may be unable any longer to avert from you--you would at least appreciate the pure and disinterested motives with which I set out upon my truly disastrous mission." "Once more, Mr. Gammon, I assure you that I feel--that we all of us feel--a lively gratitude towards you for the great services you have rendered us; but how _can_ that possibly vary my resolution? Surely, Mr. Gammon, you will not require me to enter again upon a most unpleasant"----Gammon heaved a profound sigh--"With regard to your intimation of the danger which menaces us--alas! we have seen much trouble--and Providence may design us to see much more--I own, Mr. Gammon, that I am disturbed by what you have said to me on that subject." "I have but one word more to say, madam," said Gammon, in a low impassioned tone, evidently preparing to sink upon one knee, and to assume an imploring attitude; on which Miss Aubrey rose from her chair, and, stepping back a pace or two, said with great resolution, and in an indignant manner--"If you do not instantly resume your seat, sir, I shall ring the bell; for you are beginning to take advantage of my present defenceless position--you are _persecuting_ me, and I will not suffer it.--Sir, resume your seat, or I summon the servant into the room--a humiliation I could have wished to spare you." Her voice was not half so imperative as was her eye. He felt that his cause was hopeless--he bowed profoundly, and said in a low tone--"I obey you, madam." Neither of them spoke for some moments. At length--"I am sure, sir," said Miss Aubrey, looking at her watch, "you will forgive me for reminding you that when you entered I was engaged writing letters"--and she glanced at her desk--"for which purpose alone it is that I am not now accompanying my sister and the children."