The general, who was as much at home at Texford as at his own house, found means to communicate with Julia, and to give her the satisfactory intelligence. He was too good a soldier to neglect placing sentinels on the watch during the night, which, however, passed without any appearance of the enemy in the neighbourhood of the Hall. Next morning the marquis and Lord Frederick, who had not been unobservant of what was taking place, though somewhat puzzled, were prepared for the hint which the general conveyed to them, that the heart and hand of Miss Julia Castleton were engaged. Regretting that their stay should have been so short, they paid their respects to the master and mistress of the house, and took their departure, much to Sir Ralph's satisfaction. Julia, who had become somewhat alarmed at not hearing of Harry, was much relieved during the course of the morning by receiving a message from him, saying that he was at Downside, and hoped shortly to return to Texford. She hurried to Lady Castleton to inform her, and then went to Sir Ralph, who was alone in his study, engaged in writing. He was so absorbed that he scarcely noticed her entrance. She had to repeat what she had said. "Foolish boy!" he exclaimed, without expressing any satisfaction. "If he knew the position in which I am placed, he would see that I have greater reason than ever for objecting to his making that match. If a proper pride, and a sense of what is due to his family no longer restrains him, let him understand that his father is a mere beggar, dependent on the will of another, though you have nothing to fear, as I may tell you that he acknowledges your lover as his son, and insists on my sanction to your marriage." "My dear father," exclaimed Julia, "I had hoped, indeed, that all impediments to my happiness would be removed, but how can that affect you or Harry?" "You shall know all in time," answered Sir Ralph, gloomily. "Till the arrival of Captain Headland, I am prohibited from saying more. Leave me now, only if you have any feelings of affection and duty you will use your influence with Harry. I do not wish to make an enemy of my only son, but tell him while I live I will never be a party to his committing the rash act he contemplates. Go, girl, go," and Sir Ralph waved his daughter from the room. She returned to her mother, who had sufficiently recovered to come downstairs. The guests had gone into the grounds with the exception of Mr Hastings and General Sampson. The general came hurrying into the drawing-room from the hall, exclaiming-- "A post-chaise is driving up the avenue," and taking Mr Hastings by the arm, he added, "I do not know whether you or Miss Castleton should be the first to greet the occupant; I must leave you to decide." "Let my future daughter have that happiness," answered Mr Hastings, by a violent effort calming his evident agitation. He imprinted a kiss as he spoke on the young lady's brow.