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 tually possesses the means of redeeming you from this hateful union."

"And of insuring my father's safety?"

"Yes! even that," said Ratcliffe, "if you plead his cause with him—yet how to obtain admittance?"

"Fear not that," said Miss Vere, suddenly recollecting the incident of the rose;" I remember he desired me to call upon him for aid in my extremity, and gave me this flower as a token. Ere it faded away entirely, I would need, he said, his assistance; is it possible his words can have been aught but the ravings of insanity?"

"Doubt it not—fear it not—but, above all," said Ratcliffe," let us lose no time—Are you at liberty and unwatched?"

"I believe so," said Isabella; "but what would you have me do?"

"Leave the castle instantly, and throw yourself at the feet of this extraordinary man, who, in circumstances that seem to argue the extremity of the most con-