352 THE SMUGGLER. 



quietest possible tone. " It was only to say that I was coming 

 over, and would explain to you all about Miss Croyland." 



" But where is she! Why did she not come?" demanded 

 her father, with some of the old impetuosity of his youth. 



"She is at my house," answered the other, deliberately; 

 " I thought it would be a great deal better, Croyland, to bring 

 her there at once, as you left to me the decision of where the 

 marriage was to be. She could be quite as comfortable there 

 as here. My son will be up to-morrow; and the marriage can 

 take place quietly, without any piece of work. Now, here it 

 would be difficult to manage it; for, in the first place, it would 

 be dangerous for my son. You have got a stranger in the 

 house, and a whole heap of servants, who cannot be trusted. 

 I have arranged everything for the marriage, and for their 

 going off quietly on their little tour. We shall soon get a 

 pardon for this affair with the dragoons; and that will be all 

 settled." 



Sir Robert Croyland had remained mute; not with any calm 

 or tranquil feelings, but with indignation and astonishment. 

 "Upon my life and soul," he cried, "this is too bad! Do 

 you mean to say, sir, that you have ventured, without my 

 knowledge or consent, to change my daughter's destination, 

 and take her to your house when I wished her to be brought 

 here?" 



" Undoubtedly," replied Mr. Eadford, with the most perfect 

 calmness. 



" Well then, sir," exclaimed the baronet, irritated beyond 

 all endurance; "I have to tell you, that you have committed 

 a gross, insolent, and unjustifiable act; and I have to insist 

 that she be brought back here this very night." 



"Nay, my dear friend, nay,' 5 replied Mr. Radford, in a half 

 jeering tone. " These are harsh words that you use; but you 

 must hear me first, before I pay any attention to them." 



"I want to hear nothing, sir,'' cried Sir Robert Croyland, 

 his anger still carrying him forward. " But if you do not 

 send her back to her own home, I will get horses over from 

 Tenterden, and bring her myself. Her slavery has not yet 

 commenced, Mr. Radford." 



" I shall not be able to bring her over," answered Mr. 

 Radford, still maintaining the same provoking coolness; "be- 

 cause, in case of her return, I should be obliged to use my 



