Lester Vane shrugged his shoulders, and reseated himself with an air of _nonchalance_ that he was far from feeling. What was coming? Hugh Riversdale continued speaking to Mr. Wilton. “I am given to understand, sir, that you possess considerable influence with Mr. Gomer!” he said, “and I am here to ask you to bury whatever feeling of animosity you may have entertained for the deceased Mr. Grahame, and to prevail upon Mr. Gomer to meet me, with a view of so arranging his claim that something may be rescued out of the wreck for his son, and for his youngest daughter, Evangeline. In granting me this favour, you will be exhibiting that nobleness of spirit and disposition which distinguishes a Christian gentleman, and which I, on good authority, believe finds a home in your breast.” Mr. Wilton gave a gulp. The want of nobleness of spirit had lost him the friendship and countenance of Gomer. Clearing his throat, he said-- “I sympathise most deeply with the misfortunes of Mr. Grahame’s family. Unhappily between us both a deadly feud existed, and Mr. Grahame fell in the struggle. If I can in any way repair or alleviate the evil which has fallen like a destroying thunderbolt upon his house, command me; but, I grieve to say, I now possess no influence over Mr. Gomer, if I ever did--in truth--I--a--there is a difference between us just now and we do not meet. I am sorry, therefore, I cannot help you in the quarter you wish; in any other I shall only be too happy.” Hugh Riversdale thanked him warmly, and said-- “I may yet require your services, and I shall avail myself of them without fear.” “Or favour,” added Wilton. Making a suitable acknowledgment, Hugh then fixed upon Lester Vane a fierce glance of hatred, and addressing Mr. Wilton, while he pointed to the former, said-- “I now, sir, come to the second purpose of my visit. It identifies itself with that person seated by your side.” Wilton turned with surprise, and looked first at Vane and then at Riversdale. The face of Lester Vane was blanched, otherwise it exhibited no emotion whatever. A slight smile of defiance only curled his upper lip. “He is a suitor for your daughter’s hand, and under your promise of its bestowal upon him?” commenced Hugh. Wilton, with elevated eyebrows, assented. “Sir, he is the son of a lord. Granted. But it is fit you should know that his father has for years lived abroad.” “I am aware of that,” exclaimed Wilton, sharply. “Are you also aware that it is because he cannot show his face to his creditors here in England; are you aware that your intended son-in-law is worse than a beggar; that he is far beyond his depth in debt, that he has already raised money upon your daughter’s expected dowry?” Lester Vane’s face grew whiter, and his lips trembled. Hugh--keeping his bright eye fastened upon him--went on--