He said he would not have you pressed against your inclinations, and expressed an apprehension that the match was not exactly in accordance with your wishes.

Now, mark me, Lucy, I undertook, upon my own responsibility, as well as upon yours, to assure him that it had your fullest concurrence, and I expect that you shall bear me out and sustain me in this assertion." "I who am engaged to another ?" "Yes, but clandestinely, without your father's knowledge or approbation." "I admit my error, papa; I fully and freely acknowledge it, and the only atonement I can make to you for it is, to assure you that although I am not likely ever to marry according to your wishes, yet I shall never marry against them." "Ha!" thought the baronet, "I have brought her down a step already." "Now, Lucy," said he, "it is time that this undutiful obstinacy on your part should cease.

It is time you should look to and respect--yes, and obey your father's wishes.

I have already told you that I have impressed Lord Cullamore with a belief that you are a free and consenting party to this marriage, and I trust you have too much delicacy and self-respect to make your father a liar, for that is the word.

I admit I told him a falsehood, but I did so for the honor and exaltation of my child.