“Stay,” he said, sternly, pointing to the Colonel’s seat. “You may have something more to tell my father; and permit me to suggest to you to make hay while the sun shines. Father,” he said, “I will attend Mr. Vivian, during the remainder of his brief stay, for the honour of the house, and--you understand,” he concluded, hastily, as he ran after young Vivian. Wilton glanced at the passionate workings of Colonel Mires’ features, as he watched Hal depart, and comprehended his son’s meaning at once. He therefore detained the Colonel with him until Mark’s return informed him of Vivian’s departure. Immediately after Mark had disappeared, Nathan Gomer glided out of the room too, and pausing in the corridor muttered to himself-- “I don’t like this. What does the old man want? He had enough sorrow and affliction in his poverty; does he want to create a condition of unhappiness in his wealth? He shan’t. I will see Flora and talk with her about this affair--my mission is to see the children all happy, and I will--ay, I will.” As he concluded, he rapidly made his way to Flora’s chamber, and tapped lightly at the door. CHAPTER XII.--LESTER VANE AND HELEN. _J. Sh._--Forbear, my lord! here let me rather die, And end my sorrows and my shame for ever. _East_.--Away with this perverseness--‘tis too much. Nay, if you strive--‘tis monstrous affectation! _J. Sh_.--Retire! I beg you leave me-- _East_.--Thus to coy it! With one who knows you too. _J. Sh_.--Help, oh, gracious Heaven! Help! Save me! Help! [Enter Dumont. _East_.--Avaunt! base groom-- At distance wait, and know thy office better. Rowe. Lotte Clinton, when she beheld a young man dressed in the height of fashion at her room-door, although startled by the sudden fright exhibited by Helen Grahame, felt assured that the smartly attired apparition had made a mistake in the room he intended to visit. She rose hastily, and advanced towards him, to prevent his entering further into the room, and acquainted him with the conclusion at which she arrived. He shook his head and laughed. “No,” he returned, “oh no, my dear madam; I have made no mistake; I came to see you.” “Me!--I do not know you,” she replied, quietly. “I suppose not. We have met before, though!” he exclaimed. “I have no recollection of you,” she said, with an inquiring look at his face.