In a word, let me know what Rashleigh says of me; for he is the grand engineer and first mover of all the machinery of Osbaldistone Hall." "But, supposing there was anything to tell, Miss Vernon, what does he deserve that betrays the secrets of one ally to another ?--Rashleigh, you yourself told me, remained your ally, though no longer your friend." "I have neither patience for evasion, nor inclination for jesting, on the present subject.

Rashleigh cannot--ought not--dare not, hold any language respecting me, Diana Vernon, but what I may demand to hear repeated.

That there are subjects of secrecy and confidence between us, is most certain; but to such, his communications to you could have no relation; and with such, I, as an individual, have no concern." I had by this time recovered my presence of mind, and hastily determined to avoid making any disclosure of what Rashleigh had told me in a sort of confidence.

There was something unworthy in retailing private conversation; it could, I thought, do no good, and must necessarily give Miss Vernon great pain.

I therefore replied, gravely, "that nothing but frivolous talk had passed between Mr.Rashleigh Osbaldistone and me on the state of the family at the Hall; and I protested, that nothing had been said which left a serious impression to her disadvantage.