“Unquestionably, reverend sirs, I hold the only legal protector and proper custodian of this lady to be her husband, the Lord Viscount Montressor.” “But,” said the old clergymen, hesitatingly, “there is _another_ who claims that relation to this lady, and whose claims the magistrate, however unjustly, certainly favors.” “And whose claims to any thing else but transportation will certainly be set aside by the courts,” said the baron. “But in the mean time, for the lady’s own sake, had she not better remain with me, or some other friend, until the decision of the courts has confirmed her position?” pleaded Mr. Oldfield. “Decidedly not, sir; it would argue a doubt of her position—a position upon the assuredness and stability of which I am willing to stake my reputation. As the legal adviser of Lady Montressor, I certainly counsel her ladyship to place herself under the powerful protection of her husband, and accompany him to Montressor Castle, to pass the time until the meeting of the Judges.” “Come, my love, you hear what the baron says. It is getting late. Take leave of your friends, and permit me to hand you into the carriage which waits, and drive to your father’s house, where we will pass the night, and since to-morrow morning we will set out for Dorset,” said Lord Montressor, who was very anxious to remove his bride from the scene. “My father! Ah, Lord Montressor, do you deem that in all respects, Sir Parke Morelle resembles _you_! My father will never look upon my face again, were that look needed to save my soul alive. Nay, best and most honored my lord, I _dare_ not cross my father’s threshold, and I _will_ not cross my lord’s. If ever a Lady Montressor sets foot within Montressor Castle, she will not first have borne the branded name of Estelle L’Orient. Farewell, my lord. I repeat now, what I said before, whatever may finally become of poor Estelle, may God forever bless and love you, Lord Montressor,” she said, bowing her forehead for a moment upon his hand that she had clasped between her own; and then releasing it, and turning away, she addressed the old minister, saying gently: “I am at your disposal, Mr. Oldfield, if indeed, you still offer the shelter of your roof to one so lost as I am.” “Gladly, my child, will I receive you; and let me tell you, Lady Montressor——” “Ah, _you_ also, Mr. Oldfield; you will not spare my lord’s name,” interrupted Estelle.