he read a something in his eye, which told him how dreadful might be the consequences, if, by a refusal, he should convert that friend into an enemy; and how easily might he be precipitated, through his means, from that station, the loss of which he felt as if he could scarcely survive. He therefore ⚫ turned to Sackville with an aequiescent smile; told him that he was happy in the prospect of their nearer relationship, and grasped the hand that was promptly extended, in ratification of their contract. This done, Sackville, without allowing him to recede, but instantly assuming the affair to be settled, poured forth his thanks and professions, vowing eternal love to Agnes, and the most unbounded regard and deference towards his chosen father.

"And now, my dear Sir," said he, still pursuing the same studied air of respect, 66 after you have kindly conceded so much to my wishes, I am emboldened to make another request. I have said nothing to your daughter upon this subject; I wish the first intimation of my intentions to come from you. May I beg that you will take an early opportunity of speaking to her? Excuse my pressing for an early communication. Lovers, you know, are proverbially impatient. See her and prepare her. I know that I shall find in you an able advocate, and that, whatever points appear in my favour, will be set before her in a convincing light. young mind like hers, however well disposed towards the suitor, is apt to look at first with some alarm to the prospect of matrimony: but I rely upon your skill and judgment. Pray put me soon out of suspense. I am impatient to receive her answer. Much will depend upon it."

A

These few last words were uttered with a peculiar inflexion of tone, which distinctly painted to Mr. Morton the terrible alternative which might attend the failure of his errand. They precluded all refusal, and Mr. Morton, though little confident of

his daughter's favourable reception of the proposal, summoning into his countenance a feeble effort at cheerful acquiescence, without one audible murmur complied with all that Sackville asked.

Here this important conference ended, and the gentlemen adjourned, to join the ladies in the saloon.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Force cannot be the school of love.

SIR PHILIP SIDNEY.

Marriage is a matter of more worth
Than to be dealt in by attorneyship.

HENRY VI. Part 1.

ON the following morning, Agnes, by her father's desire, repaired to his private sitting-room. He looked pale and dejected, for he knew that his fate depended on his daughter's compliance, which would not be obtained without a struggle, and the probable sacrifice of her happiness. He endeavoured to gain time and courage by speaking first on irrelevant subjects, and brought round the conversation as naturally as he could to Sackville.

"How fortunate we are," said he, "in having so able and intelligent a friend; so kind and attentive to your interests-to the interests, indeed, of all of us-but of you in particular."

Agnes partly acquiesced.

"And then," pursued Mr. Morton, he is so superior, so well informed, so sensible, and of such agreeable manners, and so much quickness and address."

"And presence of mind," said Agnes, who was thinking at that moment of his great claims upon her gratitude for having saved the life of Lacy. "Yes, my love," continued her father, "he is a very excellent and the woman whom he person, distinguishes, may be justly proud of his attach

ment."

"Certainly," replied Agnes, "for he does not strike me as being one who would easily become attached to any woman."

"Right-quite right-just as I think of him. His affections would never be given in opposition to his better judgment; and, therefore, the woman by whom he is won, may consider herself as receiving a very high and sincere compliment."

"Certainly—a high compliment—and, of course, the most sincere that he could pay."

"I am glad to hear you say so," replied Mr. Morton, gaining courage from her words, "because I know the person to whom he does pay this sincerest of all compliments; and I am happy to think that my dear daughter should be her of whom he has so high and so just an opinion. To keep you no longer in suspense, my love, Sackville has declared his attachment to you. He says, that he has long admired and loved you, and that his happiness depends entirely upon your acceptance of him."

The countenance of Agnes fell, and she turned extremely pale. The tidings were very unacceptable; and she saw at once, that be her answer what it might, it could not fail to be attended with unpleasant consequences. She must either resign Lacy, or alienate a valuable friend. But she felt no difficulty in forming her determination; and as there was no doubt in the case, she was enabled to reply with tolerable firmness.

"I cannot contradict what I have said," she replied: "I think any one may be proud of the attachment of Mr. Sackville; and I am sensible of the honour he has done me. It is much greater than I am conscious of deserving, and I cannot help wishing, that his attachment had been bestowed where it could have been returned, for it can never be returned by me. I can admire Mr. Sackville's abilities-I can acknowledge his powers of pleasing

I can regard him as a valuable friend, but I cannot feel for him any affection. I may be wrong in being so insensible to such great merits, but these are my real sentiments, and I would not deceive you by saying otherwise."

"Take care, Agnes," replied her father, "lest, in the meanwhile, you deceive yourself. Do not let any youthful timidity cause you to return a hasty refusal, of which you may afterwards repent. You speak very modestly, and I think too modestly of the honour he does you, and of your own unworthiness. Do not be led away by this feeling; it is an amiable one-but-it may be carried to excess. You spoke of Sackville's great superiority, as if it were a bar to your attachment. I am aware that a feeling of ease and equality is, in some degree, necessary to love; but here, I think; you judge hastily. Increased intimacy, and a change in your relative situations, will correct that sentiment of deference which he now seems to inspire. Besides, owing to the charge which your aunt committed to him, you have been accustomed to regard him as a sort of second father-but you must get rid of that impression. Sackville is still a young man-young not only in years, but in appearance and in habits -good looking, and full of vivacity. As for any attachment which you can have formed elsewhere," pursued Mr. Morton, speaking with greater difficulty, for he was not hypocrite enough to utter with confidence what he believed to be false, "on that point I feel perfectly easy. You have never received any declaration of attachment, except from Lord Midhurst, if I mistake not-have you?" said he, looking inquiringly at his daughter.

Agnes faintly answered "No."

"So I thought; and I have too much confidence in your sense and steadiness of principle, to believe that you would hastily resign your affections to any one, especially if he had never explicitly declared