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240 of true gallantry, or any idea of what was due to the honour and character of the lady he has courted with such unremitting attention. If I have anticipated his views in these my proposals; if what I have done should call him to reflection; should he, in consulting his affections, wish to regain his prize, and assert over mine his prior claims;—in such a case only, on no other grounds could I bring myself to retract: but if Captain Sutton still maintains the character of the man who flatters merely, and if Miss Airey can honour me with her regard, I shall hope to prove by my efforts towards promoting her happiness, that her confidence has not been misplaced."

"It is nobly and magnanimously spoken," replied the Colonel, "and worthy of Major Douglas; steady to the resolve you have taken, and sentiments you have professed, I can have nothing more to advance, than most heartily to concur with such laudable views."

In withdrawing from this conference with his Colonel, Douglas felt truly, that in many respects his union with Miss Airey would be attended with a sacrifice to his feelings; but in the present state of his mind, subjugated and brought under his control, what was he not capable of performing? A conquest so easily made he would formerly have