On what special business he was now in Ireland there was no necessity that he should speak; but being here he had brought him hither to present him to his daughter, and found that the impression she had made was quite what was desirable.
"You, you know, dear Alice, are promised to a conventual life.

Had it been otherwise--" He hesitated for a moment.
"You are right, dear father," she said, kissing his hand, "I _am_ so promised, and no earthly tie or allurement has power to draw me from that holy engagement." "Well," he said, returning her caress, "I do not mean to urge you upon that point.

It must not, however, be until Una's marriage has taken place.

That cannot be, for many good reasons, sooner than this time twelve months; we shall then exchange this strange and barbarous abode for Paris, where are many eligible convents, in which are entertained as sisters some of the noblest ladies of France; and there, too, in Una's marriage will be continued, though not the name, at all events the blood, the lineage, and the title which, so sure as justice ultimately governs the course of human events, will be again established, powerful and honoured in this country, the scene of their ancient glory and transitory misfortunes.

Meanwhile, we must not mention this engagement to Una.