“Let not the breath of calumny sully the name of my child,” she said, grasping his hand with a painful effort.  “Let her not be looked on as a child of shame, when her birth is as pure and noble as any in the land.  If her birth be questioned, let the whole world know she is the daughter of Lord Alphingham.  In my mother’s care is the certificate of my marriage, also of the christening of my Agnes.  But if nothing be demanded, if her lot be happy, it is better both for father and daughter that they remain unknown to each other.”

Percy had made the solemn promise she demanded, but the remembrance of her pale features, her drooping form, had haunted him on his return home, and caused that deep gloom his family had remarked.  It was more than a week after Mrs. Amesfort’s death, before her afflicted mother could write the tidings to the young man, who, on hearing of Annie’s conduct, had instantly and actively set about obtaining the exact date of the unfortunate lady’s death, and also that of the Viscount’s hasty marriage in Scotland.  The result was most satisfactory; rather more than a week had elapsed between the two events, and his marriage with Annie was, consequently, sacred and binding.  Percy also said, Mrs. Morley had mentioned her intention of instantly returning to Ireland with the little Agnes, from whom she fervently prayed she might never be compelled to part.

Believed, and truly thankful, Grahame consulted with his friends on the best plan to pursue to silence the rumours which, having overheard in a public coffeehouse, would, he had no doubt, be immediately circulated over the town.  Mrs. Morley said, she had written to inform Lord Alphingham of the death of his broken-hearted wife, enclosing one from the ill-fated Agnes herself.  He was, therefore, perfectly aware of the validity of his second marriage, for Percy had inquired and found the letter had been forwarded; there was no need of communication with him on that point.  Grahame’s first care was to travel to Scotland, and obtain the registry of their marriage; his next, to proceed to Brussels, with Mr. Hamilton, and coolly and decisively inform Lord Alphingham that, unless the ceremony was publicly solemnized a second time, in his presence, and before proper witnesses, other proceedings would be entered upon against him.  Astonished and somewhat alarmed as Lord and Lady Alphingham were at his unexpected appearance, the former had too many sins on his conscience to submit to a public expose, which he might justly fear was intended in this threat, and, with great apparent willingness, he consented.  The ceremony was again performed; Grahame possessed himself of the certificate, and left Brussels, with the half-formed resolution that, while Lord Alphingham lived, he would never see his child again.  The death of the Right Honourable Viscountess Alphingham, and the subsequent marriage in Scotland of the Eight Honourable Lord Viscount Alphingham with Miss Grahame,