the consequences. "I don't
think, Captain Marrable, that you would save yourself in any way by
proceeding against the Colonel," said Mr. Curling. "I have not the
slightest intention of proceeding against him," said the Captain, in
great dudgeon,--and then he left the office and shook the dust off
his feet, as against Block and Curling as well as against his father.

After this,--immediately after it,--he had one other interview with
his father. As he told his uncle, the devil prompted him to go down
to Portsmouth to see the man to whom his interests should have been
dearer than to all the world beside, and who had robbed him so
ruthlessly. There was nothing to be gained by such a visit. Neither
money nor counsel, nor even consolation would be forthcoming from
Colonel Marrable. Probably Walter Marrable felt in his anger that
it would be unjust that his father should escape without a word to
remind him from his son's mouth of all that he had done for his son.
The Colonel held some staff office at Portsmouth, and his son came
upon him in his lodgings one evening as he was dressing to go out
to dinner. "Is that you, Walter?" said the battered old reprobate,
appearing at the door of his bed-room; "I am very glad to see you."

"I don't believe it," said the son.

"Well;--what would you have me say? If you'll only behave decently, I
shall be glad to see you."

"You've given me an example in that way, sir; have you not? Decency
indeed!"

"Now, Walter, if you're going to talk about that horrid money, I tell
you at once, that I won't listen to you."

"That's kind of you, sir."

"I've been unfortunate. As soon as I can repay it, or a part of it,
I will. Since you've been back, I've done everything in my power to
get a portion of it for you,--and should have got it, but for those
stupid people in Bedford Row. After all, the money ought to have been
mine, and that's what I suppose you felt when you enabled me to draw
it."

"By heavens, that's cool!"

"I mean to be cool;--I'm always cool. The cab will be here to take
me to dinner in a very few minutes. I hope you will not think I am
running away from you?"

"I don't mean you to go till you've heard what I've got to say," said
the Captain.

"Then, pray say it quickly." Upon this, the Colonel stood still and
faced his son; not exactly with a look of anger, but assuming an
appearance as though he were the person injured. He was a thin old
man, who wore padded coats, and