to save you from rapacity and oppression! I regret to say that I can _answer_ for others no longer; but all that man can do, still will I do. I have been most bitterly--most fearfully disappointed; but you shall ever find me a man of my word--of as high and rigid honor, perhaps, even, Mr. Aubrey, as yourself"--he paused, and felt that he had made an impression on his silent auditor--"and I hereby pledge myself, in the presence of God, that so far as in _me_ lies, there shall not a hair of any of your heads be touched." Again he paused. "I wish, Mr. Aubrey, you knew the pressure which has been for some time upon me--nay, even this very morning"----he cast a melancholy and reluctant eye towards the letters which he had gathered up, and which he had placed beside him on the breakfast-table--"I have received a letter--here it is--I know the handwriting; I almost dread to open it." Mr. Aubrey changed color. "I am at a loss to know to what, _in particular_, you are alluding, Mr. Gammon?" he interrupted anxiously. "I will not at present say more on the subject; I devoutly hope my negotiations may be successful, and that the affair may not for many months, or even years, be _forced_ upon your attention! Still, _were_ I to do so, one effect, at least, it would have--to satisfy you of my honorable and _disinterested_ motives in the offer which I presumed to make Miss Aubrey." "Well, sir," replied Mr. Aubrey, with a melancholy air, and sighing deeply, "I can only place my trust in Providence--and I _do_. I have suffered much already; and if it be the will of Heaven that I should suffer more, I hope it will be proved that I have not suffered already--_in vain_!" "Mr. Aubrey," said Gammon, gazing at him with a brightening eye, "my very soul owns the sublime presence of VIRTUE, in your person! It is exalting--it is ennobling--merely to be permitted to witness so heroic an example of constancy as you exhibit!"--He paused, and for some moments there was silence--"You do not distrust me, Mr. Aubrey?" said Gammon, at length, with a confident air. "No, Mr. Gammon!" replied Mr. Aubrey, eying him steadfastly. "I'm not aware that I ever had any reason for doing so."