Mad

"No," replied Septimus sternly, "I have done."

"No, no, no! you have not," roared the old man, firing up again. "You have to beg my pardon, and tell me that this folly is at an end."

"I'll beg your pardon, father," said Septimus sternly, "and I do ask it for anything I have done amiss; but I have pledged my word to the woman I have loved these ten years." And again there was the look of proud elation on Septimus Hardon's countenance.

"And you are going to London, eh?" said Octavius.

"To London," said Septimus calmly.

The old man frowned, pressed his lips tightly together, and, holding Agnes firmly by her shoulder, he stood pointing with one hand towards the door.

"Then go!" he said; "go--go!"

"O, Septimus!" cried Agnes in appealing tones,--"uncle!"

"You're mad, Septimus Hardon," said the old man coldly. "Mad--stark m