any engagement;'-and I think the old girl is right.'

"Well, you are a nice character by your own confession"-observed Seymour.

"It is all very well for you to set up as Mentor; but I've heard a tale of you. You need not look so innocent, you reprobate; I know you've had a general invitation to that little cottage opposite."

Well, supposing I have "-said Seymour.

'It's a fact, I know" said Fordbrad, looking serious. "I will put you up to a thing or two. I can predict the future."

Oh, indeed," said Seymour, sarcastically. I suppose you have been investing in Moore, Partridge, or Zadkiel's prophetic annuals; or perhaps you have consulted the "crystal" which such a host of fashionable sinners were raving about the other day."

'Seymour, you deserve that I should leave you to flounder into the syren's meshes. Do you intend to listen or not?"

"We will hear the words of the oracle." "Then I will speak" said Fordbrad. "Beware of the inmates of that little cottage.

They consist of an old major, his wife, who is an awful old cat, a pretty daughter, and one or two small brats. They-I mean the major and wife would like to get the daughter married to an eligible' like you; and I believe the young lady is quite ready to walk off with any one. Ergo-you live opposite -you are invited to come at all times; the young lady plays and sings to you, not badly either-Papa generally has something to do either at the office or in the garden-Mama finds some excuse for disappearing also—and, by the way, you had better look after the keyhole. This goes on for three or four months. At last the major will say, 'My dear, I think Mr. Seymour likes Bessie, and Bessie likes Mr. Seymour, but I wish he would say so; people are beginning to talk.' Then, old fellow, in plain words, your intentions will be asked; if you do not do what is wanted, there will be no end of a shindy; and if you do what will content them you will make a confounded ass of yourself, and probably be wretched into the bargain; for the girl, though well enough, is not the style to suit

you, with your high-flown ideas of woman's perfections. Besides, her father and mother are anything but pleasant people."

"Well," said Seymour, "you have drawn a pleasing picture. It is a bright look-out, certainly, but I think I see a loophole of escape for the present; I have heard the young lady is engaged to some naval bird."

"Ah, I have heard the same thing; in fact I know it's true," said Fordbrad. "But the 'naval bird,' as you call him, is away in Japan or China, or some such delightful spot; and an engineer bird in Bermuda is better than a naval one at the other end of the world."

At all events," said Seymour, "the engagement in all decency would have to be broken off before I could be assailed. By-theby I shall take opportunities of practising with my revolver, for I heard Bessie remark, 'Papa is a capital shot.

'Well, old fellow, I suppose it will be all right," said Fordbrad, philosophically, as he poured out a glass of brandy-and-water for himself and his friend; "here's luck to you."

Seymour took his departure to the office, where he had a plan to draw; and Fordbrad, after smoking a cigar, strolled out with his gun to the ferry."

CHAPTER V.

DANGEROUS GROUND.

"As full of peril, and adventurous spirit,
As to o'erwalk a current, roaring loud,
On the unsteadfast footing of a spear."

SHAKSPEARE.

FOR Some time after Seymour's departure Ella felt an aching void in her heart; but she was comforted when she read her Bible, and began to dislike confession more and more.

About this time Father Bellew was obliged to go to Rome. He had ever treated Ella in a kindly paternal manner; and she was not afraid to tell him her thoughts, for he never endeavoured to alarm her with an array of spiritual terrors; and the penances he imposed

were not severe.

The new confessor, who was also the prior