have always liked you so well, that it pains me to say this. But it is better to look it in the face. You can never marry Letty."

"Then I shall never marry anyonenever be a free man, nor form a purpose in life. But don't doom me to this fate-at least to-day! Give me a year to try my fortune."

"You ask of me what is impossible-to countenance a clandestine engagement with my daughter. Can you be so blinded by the feelings of the moment, that with all your sense of honour, you don't see how I should disgrace myself by such conductand disgrace also Letty and yourself. Be convinced this marriage cannot be, and you must consider the engagement at an end; don't compel me to send Letty to a distance."

"There is no occasion for that," said Ralph, quickly. "I am to start on my travels again the day after to-morrow, so I shall be out of your way." He held out his hand: "Good-bye!"

"Good-bye, Mr. Ralph. I am sorry we

part in this way, but you will live to thank me for it."

"Not for this-never!" said Ralph.

But his air was less dejected as he walked away.

CHAPTER XXIX.

PLIGHTED TROTH.

THOUGH he could not help feeling disappointed, Ralph half anticipated that Mr. Rivers would meet his proposal with a refusal, and, in the very moment when he yielded to Letty's appeal, he framed a plan for evading the consequences. This, if Mr. Rivers proved hostile, was to secure Letty by a secret marriage.

It now devolved upon him to carry out his design, to which, by the promise he exacted at the time, Letty stood pledged, though without knowing to what she had committed herself. And, though he saw the project was open to grave objections, yet, weighing all the circumstances of his own position, and also the danger such a

suitor as Bradley presented for Letty, he satisfied himself that it was justifiable, and thus made himself happy in the thought that he would soon be Letty's husband.

Instinct told him he would find Letty at the usual spot, waiting to hear the result of his visit to her father, and he hastened to apprise her of their position. To his disappointment Letty was not there, but he had hardly crossed the meadow, when, casting a look back, he saw her appear at the other end.

Letty came up out of breath, which constrained her little mouth to show the pearls within, while the quick walking heightened her bloom, and altogether she looked so charming as to force Ralph into an exclamation.

"You have been to the farm ?" she said timidly.

"I met your papa on the road," replied Ralph, clasping her hand as they walked along. "He refuses to accept me as your lover, Letty; refuses even to withhold his decision for a year.'

Then we are to part ?"

But she did not withdraw her hand. Can you think of parting ?" returned Ralph. "No! I know you better. I rely upon you, I trust in you, dear Letty; and remember, you are to stand by me at all risks."

"You hold me to that promise ?"

"As I hold to life. I consider it our vow of betrothal. Was it not so ?"

"Since you say it, I will own I spoke in that sense.'

"My true, my loving Letty! what confidence your words give one; what a response they make to my trembling hopes. For I come to urge you to confirm this vow by one more solemn." Letty changed colour. "Ah! don't say I ask too much, for I can't deny the charge. It is exacting your fullest trust-the fulfilment of your whole brave all risks."

vow, to

"You will not require me to break my duty to my father ?" said Letty, in faltering

accents.

"Not your duty, for that doesn't bind