At the sight of Leonard, the former instantly cast down her eyes.
"Amabel," said her father, in a tone of greater severity than he had ever before used towards her, "all that has passed is known to me.

I shall take another and more fitting opportunity to speak to you on your ill-advised conduct.

I am come for a different purpose.

You have given Leonard Holt a promise (I need not tell you of what nature), and he claims its fulfilment." "If he insists upon my compliance," replied Amabel, in a tremulous voice, "I must obey.

But it will make me wretched." "Then I at once release you," replied Leonard.