‘Never think of such a thing.’ ‘It would ruin our reputation, if we were known to do such a thing.’ ‘And that would be a most melancholy thing.’ ‘Positively awful!’ ‘We will never let the enemy beat us.’ ‘No, d—n!’ returned Spangle;—‘but down with it, down with it, and at it again.’ ‘At it again! Hah! ha! ha!’ ‘We are wine proof!’ ‘Full proof?’ ‘Above proof, by —’ ‘But talking about women,’ observed Kay, ‘That Blodget was a devilish fortunate fellow.’ ‘Cunning rogue!’ replied Maretzo; ‘he managed his business famously, and has contrived admirably to elude the vigilance of Monteagle and the lady’s friends.’ ‘They have not heard anything of them yet, I believe?’ ‘Nothing!’ ‘Poor Monteagle! Ha! ha!’ ‘Ah! poor fool!’ ‘I wonder what has become of Monteagle?’ ‘Oh, he is doubtless still making every inquiry after the lady.’ ‘And it is my firm belief that Inez will never live to see her father, her lover, or her friends again.’ ‘I am of the same opinion; a sensitive, high-minded woman like her, will never be able to survive long the misery and degradation which Blodget has heaped upon her.’ ‘He positively must be a smart scoundrel.’ ‘I never heard of one equal to him.’ ‘Such a systematic way as he went to work to accomplish his villainy.’ ‘The ingenious and complicated plot he devised to bring about the gratification of his wishes.’ ‘The artful manner in which he contrived to make the simpleton, Jenkins, his dupe, too; the ready tool to further his deep-laid stratagem.’ ‘He must have had his education in the school of art and vice, certainly.’ ‘Yes, and been a ready pupil, too.’ ‘But is it not strange that every stratagem has failed to find the slightest clue to the place of retreat?’ ‘Wonderful!’ ‘And then the attempt upon Monteagle’s life.’ ‘Doubtless by some ruffian employed by him.’ ‘There cannot be a doubt of it.’ ‘To be sure. Revenge has incited him to it.’ ‘He is a dangerous fellow to offend.’ ‘A very devil.’ ‘At any rate, he does not fail to play the very devil with those who excite his enmity.’ ‘True.’ ‘But he must be defeated at last.’ ‘Certainly there is not much prospect of it at present.’ ‘Oh, no doubt he will be caught in some of his own snares by and bye.’ ‘But do you think he has ruined the girl?’ ‘He is villain enough for anything.’ ‘He must be a monster, indeed, if he could perpetrate such a crime as that. I must have another glass of wine.’ ‘Do you think that he who did not hesitate to attempt the life of the father, and the violation of the daughter, would shrink from any thing.’ ‘But, then, her youth—her innocence.’ ‘Psha!—he is a stranger to such feelings as they ought to inspire.’ ‘Why, to be sure, from his general conduct, we have an undoubted right to suppose that he is.’ ‘And yet I think that he has had some other motive for getting the girl in his power; that he has found her necessary to advance his base schemes.’ There was a pause.