"The hot blooded fool wishes to fight, and he shall--to the death--to the death." [Illustration] "And I say he shall not," exclaimed Mr.Marchdale, taking Henry by the arm.

"George," he added, turning to the young man, "assist me in persuading your brother to leave the room.

Conceive the agony of your sister and mother if anything should happen to him." Varney smiled with a devilish sneer, as he listened to these words, and then he said,-- "As you will--as you will.

There will be plenty of time, and perhaps better opportunity, gentlemen.

I bid you good day." And with provoking coolness, he then moved towards the door, and quitted the room.
"Remain here," said Marchdale; "I will follow him, and see that he quits the premises." He did so, and the young men, from the window, beheld Sir Francis walking slowly across the garden, and then saw Mr.Marchdale follow on his track.
While they were thus occupied, a tremendous ringing came at the gate, but their attention was so rivetted to what was passing in the garden, that they paid not the least attention to it..