"That is my uncle's knock," cried I, breaking the spell that bound me. "We will talk over this matter again, Geoffrey. If we cannot get an opportunity, you must write, and tell me all you know." Before I could promise anything Mr. Moncton entered the room. He cast a hurried, scrutinizing glance at me, and seemed surprised and annoyed at finding me on such intimate terms with the baronet, to whom he gave a most cordial and flattering welcome. The other met his advances with cold and studied politeness. It was evident to me that he, too, put a restraint upon his feelings. "I am sorry, Sir Alexander, that I was from home when you arrived. This visit _from you_ is such an _unexpected_ favour." "Your absence, Robert Moncton, gave me an opportunity of making the acquaintance of your nephew, whom I have found a very agreeable and entertaining substitute, as well as a near relation." Mr. Moncton regarded me with a haughty and contemptuous smile. "I am happy to learn that your time was so agreeably spent. By-the-by, Geoffrey," turning abruptly to me, and speaking in a hasty, authoritative tone, "are those papers transcribed I gave you at parting? They will be required in court early to-morrow." He evidently expected a negative. "They are ready, sir, and many others that have been placed in my hands since. We have been hard at work in the office all day." "I commend your diligence," said he, affecting a patronizing air; "I am sorry to take you from such pleasant company, but business, you know, cannot be neglected. This bundle of papers," (and he took a packet from his wallet and placed in my hand), "must be transcribed to-night. You need not go to the office. Step into the study, you will find all that you require there." This was but a stratagem to get rid of my unwelcome presence. I bowed to Sir Alexander, and reluctantly withdrew. It so happened, that Mr. Moncton's study opened into the dining-room, and without meaning to do so, I left the door but partially closed. Sitting down to the table, I trimmed the large shaded lamp that always burnt there, and began mechanically to transcribe the uninteresting papers. An hour passed away. The gentlemen were conversing upon the current news of the day over their wine. The servant brought up coffee, and I ceased to give any heed to what was passing in the next room. I was drawing out a long deed of settlement, when my attention was aroused by the mention of my own name, and the following dialogue caught my ear: "This nephew of yours, Robert Moncton, is a fine lad. How is it that I never heard of him before?" "I did not think it necessary to introduce him to your notice, Sir Alexander. He has no legal claim upon our protection. He is a natural son of Edward's, whom I educate for the profession out of charity." "An act of benevolence hardly to be expected from you," said Sir Alexander with a provoking sneer. "I suppose you expect to get the interest for your kindness out of the lad?"