"Now for this lordly gallant!" muttered Mrs Brandon, as she stood for a moment in the gaunt hall; "now for this sportive disturber of young hearts! If I had my will," she exclaimed, her handsome matronly features flushing up, "I'd have them all banished--I would!" Then, with a firm step, and her head drawn back, she crossed the hall, threw open the door, and entered the room where Charley Vining was impatiently walking up and down. Volume 2, Chapter VIII. MRS BRANDON'S RECEPTIONS: FIRST VISITOR. Charley Vining started as, instead of Ella Bedford, he was confronted by a tall, handsome, middle-aged lady, who bowed stiffly, and motioned him to a seat, taking one herself at the same time. "I have the pleasure of addressing--?" said Charley inquiringly. "Mrs Brandon," was the reply. "And Miss Bedford is not ill, I trust?" said Charley anxiously. "Miss Bedford has requested me, as her particular friend, to meet you, and answer any questions upon her behalf." "But she will see me, will she not?" said Charley earnestly. "Her leaving us was so sudden--I was taken so by surprise. You say, madam, that you are her friend?" Mrs Brandon bowed, and Charley wiped the dew from his forehead. "May I then plead for one interview, however short?" Mrs Brandon frowned, and then rising, she stood with one hand resting upon the table. "Young man," she said firmly--and Charley started as she looked down almost fiercely upon him, "you are the son of Sir Philip Vining, I believe?" "I am," said Charley, slightly surprised. "A worthy old country squire, whose name is known for miles round in connection with kindly deeds." "My father," said Charley proudly, "is, in every sense of the word, a gentleman." "Then why is not his son?" said Mrs Brandon fiercely. "Me? Why am not I?" said Charley, in a puzzled voice. "Yes, sir, you!" exclaimed Mrs Brandon angrily. "Why should not the only son be as the father?" "Because," said Charley proudly, once more, "it does not befall that there should be two such men for many generations." "It seems so," said Mrs Brandon bitterly; "but the son might learn something from the father's acts." "Good heavens, madam! what does this mean? What have I done that you should speak to me thus?" cried Charley earnestly.