Percy gazed on his brother's features with greater calmness, and more kindly, but still impetuously, said-- "Would you then have me stand calmly by and behold my sister a suffering victim to his arts, though actual sin, thank God, has been spared, and thus permit that villain Alphingham to continue his course triumphant ?" "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord, and I will repay it," answered Herbert, instantly, twining his arm within that of his brother, and looking up in his face with that beseeching glance of affection which was so peculiar to his features.

"Dear brother, rest on those words and be contented.

It is not for us to think of vengeance or to seek for retribution; justice is, indeed, ours to claim, but in this case, there is no point on which we can demand it.

Let Alphingham, even granting you know him as he is, pursue his course in peace.

Did you endeavour to inflict chastisement, is it not doubting the wisdom and justice of the Almighty?
And suppose you fell instead of your adversary, in the meeting you would seek--what, think you, would be the emotions of all those who so dearly love you, when they gazed on your bleeding corse, and remembered you had sought death in defiance of every principle they had so carefully instilled?
Think of my mother's silent agony; has not Caroline's conduct occasioned sufficient pain, and would you increase it?
you, whose most trifling action is dictated by love for her; you, in whom she has every reason to look for so much virtue, honour, and self-control; whom she so dearly, so devotedly loves?
Remember what she would feel; and, if no other consideration have effect, surely that will bid you pause." Percy still paced the room, but his head was averted from his brother as he spoke, and his step bespoke contending and painful emotions.