eeded his most sanguine expectations. With secret satisfaction he saw
Algernon enter the drawing-room, which the indignant Squire was pacing
with rapid steps; and when he caught the irritated glance of the old
man's eye, Mark felt that his work had been well and surely done; that
nothing could avert from his brother the storm that was gathering over
him.

"So, sir, you are come at last!" said Mr. Hurdlestone, suddenly stopping
and confronting the unsuspecting culprit.

"Was my presence required at home, sir?" asked Algernon, in a tone of
surprise, at the same time pulling out his watch. "It is not late. Just
ten o'clock."

"Late or not late, that is not now the question. I have to ask you--I
insist upon your telling me--at what house in this neighborhood you
spend your time?"

There was an ominous pause. Mark smiled sarcastically, but seemed to
watch intently for his brother's reply; while the old man's fierce eye
glared with tiger-like ferocity upon his younger son.

Algernon at last spoke, and as he did so, he raised his head proudly,
and firmly encountered his father's keen gaze.

"I see how it is, sir; my actions have been watched and my motives
misapprehended. But I shall not attempt to deny the truth. My visits
have been to the house of Mrs. Wildegrave. She has a beautiful and
virtuous daughter, whom I mean to make my wife."

"The traitor Wildegrave!--his child?"

"The same."

"And you dare tell me this to my face?"

"I never do that behind your back, that I would be ashamed to own to
your face."

"Impudent scoundrel! Do you know in what manner the father of this
_beautiful_ and virtuous young lady met his death?"

"As many brave and unfortunate gentlemen did; who, had their cause been
successful, would have been praised for their gallantry by the very
persons who now condemn them."

"And you expect me to give my consent to this accursed marriage?"

"I neither expect, nor ask it from you."

"By heaven, you shall never have it! nor one farthing of mine, without
you promise to relinquish all idea of this disgraceful connection."

"I must leave that to your own sense of justice. I have pledged my
solemn word to Miss Wildegrave to make her my wife. I cannot break my
word without forfeiting my own self-respect."

"Then it appears to me that my approbation to a measure, which so
deeply concerns the honor and respectability of my family, was a matter
of no consequence to my son."

"Indeed, my dear