I must, therefore, act at all risks, and act with vigour--and this is the general plan of my campaign, subject always to be altered according to circumstances.

I have obtained--I may say purchased--Mowbray's consent to address his sister.

I have this advantage, that if she agrees to take me, she will for ever put a stop to all disagreeable reports and recollections, founded on her former conduct.

In that case I secure the Nettlewood property, and am ready to wage war for my paternal estate.

Indeed, I firmly believe, that should this happy consummation take place, Monsieur Martigny will be too much heart-broken to make further fight, but will e'en throw helve after hatchet, and run to hide himself, after the fashion of a true lover, in some desert beyond seas.
"But supposing the lady has the bad taste to be obstinate, and will none of me, I still think that her happiness, or her peace of mind, will be as dear to Martigny, as Gibraltar is to the Spaniards, and that he will sacrifice a great deal to induce me to give up my pretensions.