“Kiss me again, papa,” were the first words that little Agnes uttered, after Sir Waldron had placed her on her feet; but the baronet was so absorbed in thought, at that moment, that he did not notice what she said. He sat silent and motionless, with the child mutely gazing upon him, for above a minute. He then started up, wrung his hands together, stamped violently on the floor, and walked to the wall of the room, against which he leant his forehead. Starting thence in a moment, he returned to his seat, exclaiming, “Man! man! thou dost truly merit this agony!” Agnes now approached him, and familiarly, or rather, endearingly, embracing his arm, said, “Are you very ill, papa?--My mamma tied this bit of love-ribbon on the finger where married ladies wear their rings, that I shouldn't forget to tell you she forgave you with her last breath, and died happy!” “May she be in heaven!” exclaimed Sir Waldron. “Amen!” responded little Agnes. “What to do--what to do, I know not,” said the baronet, rising from his chair again. “Won't you own me, papa?--pray do; or I don't know what I shall do, after walking so far and all. I wore out my shoes and stockings--” “Bless thy poor little feet--what a sight is this!” “Won't you own me, papa?” repeated Agnes. “I do--I do, child,” replied Sir Waldron, kissing her; “but I must send you away,--how, I cannot tell.--You must not be known to be mine:--my honour, my reputation;--the character I have maintained--s'death! it drives me mad!” “Mayn't I live with you, then?” said Agnes. “It is absolutely impossible.” “Oh, dear! Then I suppose I must find out a place where grapes grow in a wood, and build a little house, as Robinson Crusoe and his man Friday did, for I've nobody to help me but you,--and you won't, you say.” “I said no such thing: you shall never want; but here you cannot remain.” “My mamma said I _was_ to;--but then, she told me too, that when she was dead and gone, I was to obey you; and you say I must go,--so I don't know what to do:--I'm very hungry.” “Hungry! pull the bell--but stop--hold--my position is most perplexing. To send the child here! It was cruel--but I merit it. I have brought sorrow on myself, by my own villany.--It is miraculous how you could have reached me.”