This announcement was an interruption more agreeable to Clara than to Mr. Tippetson, for the young lady was not in spirits; and to a dejected mind, sounds of joy are a sad and painful discord. But though Mr. Tippetson was sorry to be deprived of the pleasure of hearing the promised performance, he speedily took his leave of Clara, expressing a hope that he should enjoy that pleasure another day; and he left the room as soon as his lordship made his appearance. CHAPTER IV. “To go, alas! we know not where.” COOPER. Lord Trimmerstone had not been a very frequent visitor at his relative’s house, and therefore Mr. Martindale apprehended that the present was more likely a call of business than compliment; especially did he think so when he observed how very grave and serious his lordship looked. Conducting the Earl into the library, Mr. Martindale began: “What, in the name of wonder, can be the matter with you now? Has your lordship had the misfortune to lose more than is quite convenient to pay, and are you coming to ask me to pay it for you?” “You may very well upbraid me, sir, with my sad propensity to gaming,” replied his lordship; “but I trust this is the last time I shall hear such reproof from you. I have seen my folly.” “Have you, indeed?” interrupted the old gentleman; “what a wonderful discovery you have made! Every body else has seen it for a long while past. Now I suppose that you are going to let the world see your wisdom. But pray, what is the amount which you wish me to discharge for you in the present awkward juncture of affairs?” “I have not any request of that kind to make, sir;” replied his lordship. “Oh, oh!” said the old gentleman, “indeed! I am very happy to hear it. But I should be glad to know what it is that makes you look so serious.” “I have been thinking,” said his lordship, with great formality of manner and expression… “It is high time you should think,” responded the old gentleman; “and what has your lordship been thinking about?” “I have been thinking,” continued the Earl, “that it will be prudent for me, at least for the present, to give up my establishment in town, and retire, with your permission, to Trimmerstone, where I may be out of the way of temptation. If you still continue in the same mind with respect to Trimmerstone Hall, I think it might be put into tenantable repair at a small expense.” “Very good, very good, young man;--I beg pardon--I mean my lord.” “Nay, sir, I beg that you will not use such taunting expressions. My title, you know, was not of my seeking.” His lordship uttered this last sentence in a tone of such humility and submissiveness that the old gentleman was touched, and he saw that his relative felt a strong impression of humiliation, and therefore he felt more compassionately, and replied in tones rather more conciliating.