At present, excepting only your title, you fight on a level ground with this adventurer, instead of an eminence from which you could in an instant sweep him away.

Nay, he is stronger than you; he has the opportunities afforded by a partnership in balls where you cannot appear to advantage; he is, you say, in the first bloom of youth, he is handsome.

Reflect!--your destiny, so far as Lucy is concerned, is in your hands.

I turn to other subjects," etc.

As Brandon re-read, ere he signed, this last letter, a bitter smile sat on his harsh yet handsome features.