And was he not the victim of a scheme?
Had he not been allured on to make promises to the girl which he would not have made had the truth been told him as to her father?
He would not even in his thoughts accuse Kate,--his Kate,--of being a participator in these schemes.

But Mrs.O'Hara and the priest had certainly intrigued against him.

He must remember that.

In the terrible task which he was now compelled to begin he must build his defence chiefly upon that.

Yes; he must begin his work, now, upon the instant.
With all his golden prospects,--with all his golden honours already in his possession,--he could wish himself dead rather than begin it.