Leonard threw his eyes down upon his threadbare garments, his patched boots, and the white-worn seams of his old frock, but not a word escaped his lips. They walked on for some time side by side without speaking, when Leonard said,-- “They know nothing of me here, Colonel. I need not ask you to be--cautious.” There was a hesitation before he uttered the last word. “I do not desire to be recognized, either,” said Darcy, “and prefer being called Mr. Gwynne to the name of my family; and here, if I mistake not, comes a gentleman most eager to learn anything of anybody.” Mr. Dempsey came up at this moment with a lady leaning on each of his arms. “Glad to see you again, sir; hope you 've thought better of your plans, and are going to try Mother Fum's fare. Mrs. M'Quirk, Mr. Gwynne--Mr. Gwynne, Miss Drew. Leonard will do the honors till we come back.” So saying, and with a princely wave of his straw hat, Mr. Dempsey resumed his walk with the step of a conqueror. “That fellow must be a confounded annoyance to you,” said Darcy, as he looked after him. “Not now, sir,” said the other, submissively; “I 'm used to him; besides, since Miss Daly's arrival he is far quieter than he used to be, he seems afraid of her. But I 'll leave you now, Colonel.” He touched his cap respectfully, and was about to move away, when Darcy, pitying the confusion which overwhelmed him, caught his hand cordially, and said,-- “Well, Jack, for the moment, good-bye; but come over and see me. I live at the little cottage called 'The Corvy.'” “Good Heaven, sir! and it is true what I read in the newspaper about your misfortunes?” “I conclude it is, Jack, though I have not read it; they could scarcely have exaggerated.” “And you bear it like this!” said the other, with a stare of amazement; then added, in a broken voice, “Though, to be sure, there 's a wide difference between loss of fortune and ruined character.” “Come, Jack, I see you are not so good a philosopher as I thought you. Come and dine with me to-morrow at five.” “Dine with _you_, Colonel!” said Leonard, blushing deeply. “And why not, man? I see you have not forgotten the injustice I once did you, and I am happier this day to know it was I was in the wrong than that a British officer was a coward.” “Oh, Colonel Darcy, I did not think this poor broken heart could ever throb again with gratitude, but you have made it do so; you have kindled the flame of pride where the ashes were almost cold.” And with a burning blush upon his face he turned away. Darcy looked after him for a second, and then entered the house.