“Save him,” replied Jonathan. “You can do so.”

“Bring him here,—let me see him—let me embrace him—let me be assured that he is safe, and I am yours. I swear it.”

“Hum!” exclaimed Jonathan.

“You hesitate—you are deceiving me.”

“By my soul, no,” replied Jonathan, with affected sincerity. “You shall see him to-morrow.”

“Delay the marriage till then. I will never consent till I see him.”

“You ask impossibilities,” replied Jonathan, sullenly. “All is prepared. The marriage cannot—shall not be delayed. You must be mine to-night.”

“Force shall not make me yours till Jack is free,” replied the widow, resolutely.

“An hour hence, I shall return with the priest,” replied Jonathan, striding towards the door.

And, with a glance of malignant exultation, he quitted the vault, and locked the door.