“Amen!” echoed Randal, devoutly. “I hear that Peschiera’s sister is returned to England. Do you know her too?” “A little.” “My dear Mr. Leslie, pardon me if I take a liberty not warranted by our acquaintance. Against the lady I say nothing. Indeed, I have heard some things which appear to entitle her to compassion and respect. But as to Peschiera, all who prize honor, suspect him to be a knave—I know him to be one. Now, I think that the longer we preserve that abhorrence for knavery which is the generous instinct of youth, why, the fairer will be our manhood, and the more reverend our age. You agree with me?” And Harley suddenly turning, his eyes fell like a flood of light upon Randal’s pale and secret countenance. “To be sure,” murmured the schemer. Harley surveying him, mechanically recoiled, and withdrew his arm. Fortunately for Randal, who somehow or other felt himself slipped into a false position, he scarce knew how or why, he was here seized by the arm; and a clear, open, manly voice cried, “My dear fellow, how are you? I see you are engaged now; but look into my rooms when you can, in the course of the day.” And with a bow of excuse for his interruption, to Lord L’Estrange, the speaker was then turning away, when Harley said: “No, don’t let me take you from your friend, Mr. Leslie. And you need not be in a hurry to see Egerton; for I shall claim the privilege of older friendship for the first interview.” “It is Mr. Egerton’s nephew, Frank Hazeldean.” “Pray, call him back, and present me to him. He has a face that would have gone far to reconcile Timon to Athens.” Randal obeyed; and after a few kindly words to Frank, Harley insisted on leaving the two young men together, and walked on to Downing-street with a brisker step. Chapter X. “That Lord L’Estrange seems a very good fellow.” “So-so; an effeminate humorist; says the most absurd things, and fancies them wise. Never mind him. You wanted to speak to me, Frank?” “Yes; I am so obliged to you for introducing me to Levy. I must tell you how handsomely he has behaved.” “Stop; allow me to remind you that I did not introduce you to Levy; you had met him before at Borrowell’s, if I recollect right, and he dined with us at the Clarendon—that is all I had to do with bringing you together. Indeed, I rather cautioned you against him than not. Pray, don’t think I introduced you to a man who, however pleasant, and perhaps honest, is still a moneylender. Your father would be justly angry with me if I had done so.”