"William," cried she, energetically, "as you well say, this is no time to be at variance, neither is it a time for falsehood.

What I stated to you this morning was true;--if not, may I never hope for pardon! and may heaven never be opened to me! You have been deceived--grossly deceived; for what purpose, I know not: but so it is.

Do not, therefore, be rash.

Send for all who were present, and examine them; and if I have told you a falsehood, put me away from you, to the shame and seclusion I shall so well deserve." "It is too late, Mary; I have challenged him, and he has accepted it.

I fain would believe you; but he told me so himself." "Then he told a lie! a base, cowardly lie! which sinks him beneath the notice of a gentleman.