Mortification and shame and sudden resentment flushed his face. "But you don't know me, to be sure!" he exclaimed, with a passionate tone of pain; "and yet, though I don't know you, I care for your opinion. I have not come to ask anything from you, Colonel Sutherland--I have already made up my mind what to do; but, at best, you must know that I have not deceived you. I have a mother, and yet I have not a mother--that is the only entire bond of nature remaining to me. She made a second marriage, and gave me up to my godfather so long ago, that I scarcely remember the time--her husband made my only visit to her so disagreeable, that I have never repeated it, and I believe never shall. She has a family of whom I know nothing, and has forgotten and forsaken me. I appeal to you, then, whether I was not right in saying that I had no friends?" "I felt sure it would turn out something of the kind," said the Colonel, heartily. "What, my boy, are you affronted with me? Come, that is foolish--sit down and forgive me. Perhaps you think a stranger like myself has no right to ask such explanations; but I am old, and you are young--that is, after all, the most primitive principle of authority. I assure you, though you may not be quite pleased with me at this moment, I am a much safer counsellor than the sergeant--the old rogue! Draw your chair to the table, take a glass of wine, and let me hear what you are going to be about. I heard of an old exploit of yours from my niece, Susan Scarsdale, to-day." "From whom?" asked Musgrave, with a little surprise. "From my niece--you don't know her, I daresay," said the Colonel, whose object was to put his visitor at ease; "but some one told her your name, she says. An adventure of yours with a gipsy--do you recollect it--on some of the roads near Lanwoth Moor?" "Oh!--the young lady from----" Musgrave paused only in time to prevent himself saying "the haunted house," which was a name very commonly appropriated to Marchmain. The young man blushed a little, partly from the mistake, partly from a very distinct recollection of the flattering applause with which Susan clapped her hands at his achievement. He might not have noticed her at all but for that sign of approbation; but it is pleasant to be approved, especially in a rash and unorthodox proceeding; and it is true that Roger had taken several occasions to pass Marchmain after that occurrence, with a lingering inclination to improve his acquaintance with that face; he never had any success in his endeavour, but still, under the eyes of Susan's uncle he blushed in spite of himself. "I recollect it very well," he said. The Colonel saw his colour rise, and had not the slightest inclination to pursue the subject.