"I feel, Mr. Aubrey, that I have broken my promise to the Attorney-General, who extracted from me a solemn pledge, to endeavor so to manage the matter as that you should never know it. What is it, after all--noble as it is--to the Attorney-General, with his £12,000 or £15,000 a-year?" "Oh--do not talk _so_, Mr. Runnington; I am overpowered, oppressed. Never in all my life have I experienced feelings like those by which I am now agitated!" He rose, and stood opposite the window for a few minutes, neither of them speaking. Then he returned to his seat. "How much does that leave me your debtor?" "Why--really it is hard to say, unprepared--I should imagine--if you will really force me to speak of such an unpleasant topic--that our account is reduced to some £1,500 or £1,600--about which"---- "Then there is Mr. Parkinson's," said Aubrey, in a low tone, but with a desperate air; presently adding--"Here are some £6,000 or £7,000 to start with; and _then_ we come to the mesne profits--gracious, gracious God!" he suddenly added with a visible shudder. He folded his arms convulsively, and gazed, for a second or two, at Mr. Runnington, with an eye, the expression of which was overpowering. In his face Mr. Runnington beheld no longer the melancholy mildness to which he had been accustomed, but a sternness and power were apparent in his features, which Mr. Runnington had not imagined them capable of exhibiting. They told of a strong soul thoroughly roused, and excited, and in agony. At that moment a knocking was heard at the door, as of very little fingers. "Come in!" exclaimed Mr. Aubrey, with unusual quickness and sternness. He was obeyed--and Charles's little face peeped into the room timidly. He was evidently quite startled by the tone in which he had been addressed. "Come in, my child!" said Mr. Aubrey, rather tremulously, when he saw that it was _his son_, and observed the apprehensiveness overspreading his little features. Charles immediately advanced, with a serious submissive air, saying--"This letter is just come--Mamma sent me with it, dear papa"---- "Give it me, Charles," said Mr. Aubrey, extending his hand for it, while with the other he gently placed the child upon his lap, and kissed him. "I'm not angry with you, Charles," said he, tenderly. "I've not been naughty, you know, dear papa!" said he, with innocent surprise.