"Very little," I answered. "I did not wish you to think ill of me. There is nothing that can wound the feelings more than ingratitude; and the kindness with which you once treated me, was the reason why I have been so desirous of proving to you that I have not been ungrateful. You have now evidence that will enable you to judge between Adkins and myself; and after this interview, I will trouble you no more, for I do not desire to insist upon a renewal of the friendship you have suspected. I only wished you to know that I had given you no cause for discontinuing it." "Now, gentlemen!" said Adkins, "having been amused by all each of you has to say, I suppose I may be allowed to take my leave of you; and," said he, turning to Mrs Hyland, "I'll see you again, madam, when you have not quite so much interesting company to engage your attention." He arose, and was moving towards the door. "Stop!" shouted Mason, stepping before him. "Mrs Hyland," continued the steward, "I know enough about this man, and his management of your business, to justify you in giving him in charge to a policeman. Shall I call one?" For a minute Mrs Hyland was silent. I looked at Adkins, and saw that my triumph over him was complete. His own appearance condemned him; and anyone to have seen him at that moment--humiliated, cowed, and guilty--would ever after have dreaded doing wrong; through very fear of looking as he did. In truth, he presented a melancholy spectacle: for he had not the courage to assume even a show of manliness. To complete my triumph, and his discomposure, Lenore, who had been all the while listening with eager interest, and apparent pleasure to what had been said, cried out, "Let him go, mother, if he will promise never to come near us again!" "Yes, let him go!" repeated Mrs Hyland. "I must think before I can act." Mason opened the door; and Adkins sneaked out in a fashion that was painful, even for me--his enemy--to behold. After his departure, each waited for the other to speak. The silence was broken by Mrs Hyland, who said: "Of you, Mr Wilton, and you, Mr Mason, I have often heard my late husband speak in the highest terms; and I know of no reason, why I should not believe what you have told me." "With you, Rowland," she continued, turning her eyes upon me, with something of the old friendly look, "with you, I have been acquainted many years; and the principal reason I had for doubting your integrity and truthfulness, was because I thought that, had you possessed the regard for us, you should have had, you would certainly have come back after the death of my husband. "You did not; and the circumstance, as you will admit, was strong against you. I have now much reason to believe that I have been deceived in Adkins; and I do not know whom to trust. I must suppose that all of you have come here without any ill feeling towards me: for I know not why you should wish to do me an injury.