Audley took his hand, and pressed it fraternally. "William," said the statesman, "we have been long estranged; but I do not forget that when we last met, at--at Lord Lansmere's house, and when I took you aside, and said, 'William, if I lose this election, I must resign all chance of public life: my affairs are embarrassed; I may need--I would not accept money from you--I would seek a profession, and you can help me there,' you divined my meaning, and said--'Take orders; the Hazeldean living is just vacant. I will get some one to hold it till you are ordained.' I do not forget that. Would that I had thought earlier of so serene an escape from all that then tormented me. My lot might have been far happier." The Squire eyed Audley with a surprise that broke forth from his more absorbing emotions. "Happier! Why, all things have prospered with you; and you are rich enough now; and--you shake your head. Brother, is it possible! do you want money? Pooh, not accept money from your mother's son!--stuff." Out came the Squire's pocket-book. Audley put it gently aside. "Nay," said he, "I have enough for myself; but since you seek and speak with me thus affectionately, I will ask you one favor. Should I die before I can provide for my wife's kinsman, Randal Leslie, as I could wish, will you see to his fortunes, so far as you can, without injury to others--to your own son?" "My son! He _is_ provided for. He has the Casino estate--much good may it do him. You have touched on the very matter that brought me here. This boy, Randal Leslie, seems a praiseworthy lad, and has Hazeldean blood in his veins. You have taken him up because he is connected with your late wife. Why should not I take him up, too, when his grandmother was a Hazeldean? I wanted to ask you what you meant to do for him; for if you did not mean to provide for him, why I will, as in duty bound. So your request comes at the right time; I think of altering my will. I can put him into the entail, besides a handsome legacy. You are sure he is a good lad--and it will please you too, Audley?" "But not at the expense of your son. And stay, William--as to this foolish marriage with Madame di Negra, who told you Frank meant to take such a step?" "He told me himself; but it is no matter. Randal and I both did all we could to dissuade him; and Randal advised me to come to you." "He has acted generously, then, our kinsman Randal--I am glad to hear it"--said Audley, his brow somewhat clearing. "I have no influence with this lady; but at least, I can counsel her. Do not consider the marriage fixed because a young man desires it. Youth is ever hot and rash." "Your youth never was," retorted the Squire, bluntly. "You married well enough, I'm sure. I will say one thing for you: you have been, to my taste, a bad politician--beg pardon--but you were always a gentleman. You would never have disgraced your family and married a--"