"It was my cousin Anne," resumed Mr. St. John, with scarcely a glance at Rose. "But the marriage suited neither her nor me, She was engaged, unknown to her friends, to Captain Saville, and I was keeping her secret. I took upon myself all the brunt of the refusal--for Captain Saville's position, at that period, did not justify his aspiring openly to Lady Anne St. John--and informed my brother I could not marry Anne. High words rose between us; we parted in anger, and I returned to London. Just then my mother's sister died, leaving me some money. It was not very much; but it was sufficient to pay my debts, and to this purpose it is being applied, as it is realized. By next November every shilling I owe will be discharged. I should have preferred not appearing again before my brother until I was a free man, but circumstances have ordered it otherwise. I was about setting out for Castle Wafer the day information reached me that de la Chasse had again made his appearance here, and I came off at once, without the credentials I should otherwise have brought with me. But you cannot doubt me, M. de Castella?"
"Doubt what?"
"My ability--my power--to offer a suitable position to your daughter."
"Sir, the question cannot arise. Though I should very much doubt it. My daughter is not Lady Anne St. John."
"I should have added that Lady Anne is married; a change having occurred in Captain Saville's prospects; and she has cleared up the past to Isaac. My brother is most anxious to be reconciled to me. And I can take upon myself to say that all the favourable projects and settlements he proposed for Lady Anne, will be renewed for Adeline."
"Then you would take upon yourself to say too much, Mr. St. John: you cannot answer for another. But to what end pursue this unprofitable conversation? My daughter is promised to the Baron de la Chasse, and no other man will she marry."
"Sir," cried Mr. St. John, speaking with agitation, "will you answer me one question? If I were in a position to offer Adeline ample settlements; to take her to Castle Wafer as her present home--and you know it must eventually descend to me--would you consider me a suitable parti for her?"
"It is a question that never can arise."
"I pray you answer it me--in courtesy," pleaded Mr. St. John. "Would you deem me eligible in a worldly point of view?"
"Certainly. It is an alliance that a higher family than mine might aspire to."