"In other words," said Harry, "unless she is compelled to marry some one else." "I could not bear the thoughts of her doing so," exclaimed Headland. "Even then I should remain her devoted and faithful friend." "I am sure you would," answered Harry. "I will tell her all you say, though I hope you will be able to tell her yourself. And, my dear fellow, I know my little sister well enough to be very sure that no power on earth will induce her to marry any one else." Headland felt somewhat relieved by his conversation with his friend. Harry knew that he had his own trials in store, and could sympathise with him thoroughly. He had become very impatient at not being able to ride out. The doctor had brought him better accounts from Downside; that was his chief consolation. He determined to go directly Headland left Texford; he would propose a ride with Julia, and she would not refuse to accompany him thus far. Directly Headland quitted the study, Sir Ralph summoned Julia. She well knew what was coming, and bracing herself up for the interview, appeared before her father with as calm a countenance as she could assume. "I understand, young lady, that your brother's friend and shipmate, Captain Headland, has proposed to you, and that without knowing who he is, or what are my wishes on the subject, you have ventured to accept him." "Yes, papa, I have done so," said Julia. "You have acted very improperly," remarked Sir Ralph. "I saw nothing in Captain Headland that would make you object to him, on the contrary, everything to admire," answered Julia, in a firm tone. "No girl can take such a step without her parent's permission." "I had no reason to suppose that permission would not be given," said Julia. "As you are mistaken you are absolved from your promise, and I desire you to tell Captain Headland that you set him free." "Father," exclaimed Julia, rising, "if you can point out one single blemish in Captain Headland's character, if you can produce one sufficient reason, I would obey you so far as to set him free; but, at the same time, I must tell you I could never marry another. You, however, can allege no just reason why I should not marry him, and I will not utter a falsehood, and lead him to suppose that I do not love him with the most devoted affection." The baronet listened to his daughter with a scornful curl on his thin lips, and a flush on his brow. Seldom did he exhibit more violent signs of anger. "I am to understand, then, that you positively refuse to discard this unknown adventurer?" said the baronet, speaking very deliberately. "I regret that I did not use stronger language when speaking to him, but I expected to have your assistance, and wished to save a scene which might be disagreeable. I must send for him again, and explain myself more clearly."