The thought that you were looking on would nerve my arm, and make me certain of success." "Even if I would, I cannot comply with your request," she replied, in an agitated tone.

"Prepare yourself, Jocelyn.

I have bad news for you." He started; and the vision of delight, in which he had been indulging, vanished at once.
"The worst news you could have to tell me, would be that the claim had been made," he observed.

"I trust it is not that ?" "It is better to know the worst at once.

I have received undoubted information that the claim _will_ be made." A cry of anguish escaped Sir Jocelyn, as if a severe blow had been dealt him--and he could scarcely articulate the inquiry, "By whom ?" "That I know not," she rejoined.