ffairs
as well as in trifles, their selfishness, narrow-mindedness, and want
of charity--they would hesitate before they countenanced such
characters, in spite of the dinners they occasionally give, and the
position they hold. But society winks on vices which it is the duty of
society to punish, since the law takes no cognizance of them, though
more hurtful and disgraceful than theft or swindling. And, I am
afraid, even if your grandfather unmasks the solemn pretender, he will
still carry his head as high as if he had a right from any quality but
his wealth to mix with honest men."

"Oh, never fear!" said Fanny, laughing; "those boastful people are
always easiest frightened, and a very short time will see us in
Surbridge Hall."

"Ah, Fanny, that would be too much happiness! I've heard of nothing
but Surbridge since I was a child; and if my father could but see me
in it, living there, my own property, or yours, Fanny, which is the
same thing, he would almost die with joy; but no, no, it is
impossible."

"Impossible! deuce a bit of it!" exclaimed the old gentleman himself;
bustling into the room. "I tell you that Surbridge is the house you
will take Fanny home to. I've a great mind to say you sha'n't marry
her at all unless she gives you Surbridge as part of her fortune."

"Oh, don't say that, sir!"

"No, don't say that, grandpapa, for you know those horrid people may
be obstinate," said Fanny.

"I should like to see them," said the old man knitting his brow. "No,
no, they must go. The bully is soon bullied. See, he has sent me a
flag of truce already; a note asking if I will allow him to call on me
at three o'clock to renew his old acquaintance."

"And will you let him?" enquired Fanny.

"To be sure I will; and I'll return his visit too; but he'll be here
in a few minutes now. I think you had better take a walk, Charles, and
leave Fanny and me to entertain them. You can go and take some more
lessons in sketching, eh? Don't keep your teacher waiting."

Charles looked at his watch, and then at Fanny, and finally hurried
away as he was ordered. The young lady also left the room.

The old man sat down, and sank in thought. He had his eye on the
conduct of his partner's grandson for forty years, though little did
that ostentatious individual suspect that any person saw within his
pharisaical exterior, and knew him for the mass of selfishness,
falsehood, and meanness, he actually was. Moreover the old gentleman
k