“Humph!” exclaimed the other, while a sneer mantled upon his lips. “You are very considerate, Mr. Edgerton; but the same sensibilities might prompt him to reject the assistance when tendered.” “No, sir,” replied Edgerton, mildly--“I think I could manage that.” “I am sorry, sir, that I can not second your wishes in any material respect,” was the answer of my uncle;--“but I will see Edward, and let him know that my house is open to him as it was from, the time he was four years old; and he shall have a seat at my table until he can establish himself more to his satisfaction; but money, sir, in truth, I have not a cent to spare. My own necessities--” “Enough, sir,” said Mr. Edgerton, mildly; “I take it for granted, Mr. Clifford, that if you could contribute to the success of your brother's son, you certainly would neither refuse nor refrain to do so.” “Oh, surely--certainly not,” replied the other, hastily. “Anything that I could do--anything in reason, sir, I should be very happy to do, but--” And then followed the usual rigmarole about “his own family,” and “hard times,” and “diminished resources,” and all those stereotype commonplaces which are for ever on the lips of stereotype insincere people. Mr. Clifford did not perceive the dry and somewhat scornful innuendo, which lay at the bottom of Mr. Edgerton's seemingly innocent assumption; and the latter took his leave, vexed with himself at having made the unsuccessful application--but still more angry with the meanness of character which he had encountered in my uncle. CHAPTER IV. “She still soothed The mock of others.”