246 THE SMUGGLER. 



to share a soldier's fate, yet I did not thiiik it would be right 

 or honourable, to come into the house of a friend under a 

 feigned name, and seek his niece, for seek her I should where- 

 ever I found her, when he might share the same views as his 

 brother, or at all events think himself bound to support them. 

 In short, Mr. Croyland, I knew that when you were aware of 

 my real name and of my real feelings, it would make a differ- 

 ence, and a great one." 



" Not the difference you think, Harry,'' replied the old 

 gentleman, holding out his hand to him; "but quite the 

 reverse. I'll tell you what, young man, I think you a devil- 

 ish fine, high-spirited, honourable fellow, and the only one I 

 ever saw whom I should like to marry my Edith. So don't 

 say a word more about it. Come and dine with me to-day, 

 as soon as you've got all. this job over. You shall see her; 

 you shall talk to her; you shall make all your arrangements 

 together; and if there's a post-chaise in the country, I'll put 

 you in and shut the door with my own hands. My brother is 

 an old fool, and worse than an old fool, too: something very 

 like an old rogue; at least, so he behaved to your father, and 

 not much better to his own child; but I don't care a straw 

 about him, and never did ; and I never intend to humour one 

 of his whims." 



Sir Henry Lay ton pressed the old gentleman's hand in his 

 with much emotion, for the prospect seemed brightening to 

 him, and the dark clouds which had so long overshadowed his 

 course appeared to be breaking away. He had been hitherto 

 like a traveller on a strong and spirited horse, steadfastly pur- 

 suing his course, and making his way onward with vigour and 

 determination, but with a dark and threatening sky overhead, 

 and not even a gleam of hope to lead him on. Distinction, 

 honours, competence, command, he had obtained by his own 

 talents and his own energies; he was looked up to by those be- 

 low him, by his equals, even by many of his superiors. The eyes 

 of all who knew him turned towards him as to one who was des- 

 tined to be a leading man iniiis day. Everything seemed fair and 

 smiling around him, and ito eye could see the cloud that over- 

 shadowed him but his own. But what to him were honours, 

 or wealth, or the world's applause, if the love of his early 

 years were to remain blighted for ever ? And in the tented field, 

 the city, or the court, the shadow had still remained upon his 



