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 An almost fainting distress was now visible in the face of the Incognita, as the clerk, surprised and perplexed, said, "Have you any objection, Ma'am, to giving me your name?"

She stammered, hesitated, and grew paler, while Ireton smiled triumphantly, when the party was suddenly joined by Harleigh.

Ireton ceased his clamour, and hung back, ashamed.

Harleigh, approaching the stranger, with an apology for his intrusion, was struck with her disordered look, and enquired whether she were ill?

"Ah, Sir!" she cried, reviving with hope at his sight, and walking towards the window, whither, wondering, he followed, "assist me in mercy!&mdash;you know, already, that some powerful motive deters me from naming myself&mdash;"

"Have I been making any indiscreet enquiry?" cried he, gently, yet in a tone of surprise.

"You? O no! You have been all generosity and consideration!"