"What I desire is this.

Recall your hasty pledge to my father, and aid me in dissuading him from the enterprise in which he would engage you." As the words were uttered the Puritan stepped from behind the alley which had enabled him to approach them unperceived, and overhear their brief converse.
"Hold!" he exclaimed in a solemn tone, and regarding Jocelyn with great earnestness.

"That promise is sacred.

It was made in a father's name, and must be fulfilled.

As to my purpose it is unchangeable." The enthusiast's influence over Jocelyn would have proved irresistible but for the interposition of Aveline.
"Be not controlled by him," she said in a low tone to the young man; adding to her father, "For my sake, let the promise be cancelled." "Let him ask it, and it shall be," rejoined the Puritan, gazing steadily at the young man, as if he would penetrate his soul.