a passing romantic fancy of youthful folly, but a burning, and strong passion, which I am certain will increase with my years. However, on considering the sense and propriety of your arguments, I will promise to curb my passion, and make the sacrifice of delaying my nuptials until I become of age (although trying to my feelings), when I shall be at liberty to marry the chosen of my heart. I have also prepared for your objections, and to meet them will suggest a plan which I hope will receive your approval, and which is this—I understand you have a wealthy brother, a merchant in London, who has often sent for your daughter, for the purpose of finishing her education, and introducing her to society. You will, therefore, send her there, or accompany her yourself, and start with us to-morrow (as myself and friends intend leaving), the Captain and I having received pressing despatches to that effect. I am confident, if you approve of my proposition, and if your daughter is introduced among high society, which I shall feel great pleasure in doing, and present her to my own relations—I am sure they will appreciate her worth. Another reason which influenced me to suggest this proposition, and in which I know you will concur, that she will be removed from the immediate neighbourhood of that young libertine, who has dared to insult her, and who may repeat his base improprieties, if not sent to a place and among society becoming her, and which he dare not approach."
Whatever hesitation and objection Mr. McKay held towards his Lordship's suggestions, the last appeal dispelled them, and decided his determination, his young neighbour's hypocritical conduct (as he now considered it) became more detestable in his eyes, and the use he made of the confidence and friendship placed in him, instead of being a protector to his daughter, becoming himself the aggressor, and assailing her virtue. Under these indignant emotions he replied—
"Your last observation, my Lord, has decided my mind, and the outrageous conduct of the young man whom I always considered my dearest friend and a pattern to all young men, and whom I some day thought
