"Yes—to avenge myself," repeated Ellen hastily. "When your messenger—that vile agent of crime—proposed to me that I should grant you an interview, I bethought myself of this ball which I had seen announced in the newspapers. It struck me that if I could induce you—you, the man of sanctity—to clothe yourself in the mummery of a mask and meet me at a scene which you and your fellow-ecclesiastics denounce as one worthy of Satan, I should hurl back with tenfold effect that deep, deep humiliation which you visited upon me. It was for this that I made the appointment here to-night—for this that I retired early to my chamber, and thence stole forth unknown to my father and my benefactor—for this that I now form one at an assembly which has no charms for me! My intention was to seize an opportunity to tear your disguise from you, and allow all present to behold amongst them the immaculate rector of Saint David's. But I will be more merciful to you than you were to me: I will not inflict upon you that last and most poignant humiliation!" "My God! Miss Monroe, are you serious?" said the rector, deeply humbled; "or is this merely a portion of the pastime?" "Does it seem sport to you?" asked Ellen: "if so, I will continue it, and wind it up with the scene which I had abandoned." "For heaven's sake, do not expose me, Miss Monroe!" murmured Reginald, now writhing in agony at the turn which the matter had taken. "Let me depart—and forget that I ever dared to address you rudely." "Yes—go," said Ellen: "you are punished sufficiently. You possess the secret of my frailty—I possess the secret of your hypocrisy: beware of the use you make of your knowledge of me, lest I retaliate by exposing you." There was something very terrible in the lesson which that young woman gave the libidinous priest on this occasion; and he felt it in its full force. Cowering within himself, he uttered not another word, but stole away, completely subdued—cruelly humiliated. Ellen lingered for a few moments on the spot where she had so effectually chastised the insolent hypocrite; and then hastily retired. The Greek Brigand made a movement as if he were about to follow her; but, yielding to a second thought, he stopped, murmuring, "By heavens! she is a noble creature!" CHAPTER CL. MRS. KENRICK. The rector of Saint David's returned home a prey to the most unenviable feelings. Rage—disappointment—humiliation conspired to make him mad. The old hag had raised his hopes to the highest pitch; and at the moment when the cup of bliss seemed to approach his lips, it was rudely dashed away. A woman had triumphed over him—mocked his passion—spurned his offers—read him a lesson of morality—taught him that proud man must not always domineer over feminine weakness. Oh! it was too much for that haughty—that vain—that self-sufficient ecclesiastic to endure!