“Unquestionably, there is no doubt of it; it is certain.”
“But how do you know that it is certain?”
“Because I observed that Whitecraft's eyes were never off my hands; he knew that a common laborer could not possibly have such hands. Helen, I am discovered, and must fly.”
“But you know that there is a change of Administration, and that the severity of the laws has been relaxed against Catholics.”
“Yes, you told me so, and I have no fear for myself; but what I apprehend is that this discovery, of which I feel certain, will precipitate your marriage with that miscreant; they will entrap you into it, and then I am miserable for ever.”
“Then, William, we must fly this very night; we will proceed to the Continent, to some Protestant state, where we can get married without any danger to the clergyman who may unite us.”
“It is all that is left for us,” replied Reilly; “I should sooner lose life than you, my beloved Helen; and now, what is to be done? fly we must; and in anticipation of the necessity of this step I left a suit of clothes with Lanigan: or rather with a poor widow, who was a pensioner of mine—a Mrs. Buckley, from whom Lanigan got them, and has them. I could not think of accompanying you in this vile dress. On your way in, try to see Lanigan, and desire him to come out to me. There is not a moment to be lost; and, my dear Helen, show no marks of agitation; be calm and firm, or we are undone.”
“Rely on me, dear Reilly, rely on me; I shall, send Lanigan to you.”
She left him, and went to her room, when she rang the bell, and her maid, the faithful Connor, who had been restored to her service, came to her.
“Connor,” said she, “I shall not be able to dine with papa to-day, especially as that wretch Whitecraft is likely to dine with him. Go to Lanigan, and tell him to come to me, for I wish to know if he has any thing light and delicate that he could send to my room; Connor, I am very unhappy.”