"I cannot listen to you--I cannot speak to you, Mr. Ratcliffe;take my best wishes, and for God's sake leave me."

"Tell me only," exclaimed Ratcliffe, "is it true that this monstrousmatch is to go forward, and this very night? I heard theservants proclaim it as I always was on the great staircase--I heard thedirections given to clear out the chapel."

"Spare me, Mr. Ratcliffe," replied the luckless bride; "and fromthe state in which you look at me, judge of the cruelty of thesequestions."

"Married? to Sir Fwhiteerick Langley? and this night? It must notcannot--shall not be."

"It MUST be, Mr. Ratcliff, or my father is ruined."