The day following the arrival of Sir Godfrey Etherton in London, he dispatched a note to Mr. Stanmore, the solicitor, appointing an hour on the next day for a meeting. If the time was not convenient, he requested the solicitor to name his hour; requesting also to know where he should find Miss Arden. A polite answer was returned, stating that the time mentioned by the Baronet was quite convenient, and that Miss Arden was residing for the time with Madame Volney, who had rented a detached cottage at Brompton, No. 7, East End Terrace. On consideration, Sir Godfrey deferred visiting Madame Volney till after his interview with Mr. Stanmore; so at the appointed hour he proceeded to the solicitor’s residence. The Baronet was shown into a handsome sitting-room, where he beheld Mr. Stanmore and two gentlemen, to whom the Baronet was introduced by the solicitor, first to Lieutenant O’Loughlin, and then to William Thornton, saying— “This is the young midshipman who has acted so kindly and gallantly towards your niece, Miss Arden.” The Baronet first bowed politely to Lieutenant O’Loughlin, though wondering why that gentleman should be present; but when face to face with our hero he scarcely bent his head, and the expression of his countenance was haughty, if not contemptuous. A careless smile passed over the midshipman’s very handsome and prepossessing countenance as he perceived the change of expression in Sir Godfrey’s features when introduced to him; but the solicitor, who also marked the change, looked serious. “I have wished Lieutenant O’Loughlin,” said Mr. Stanmore, addressing Sir Godfrey, “to be present at the opening of this casket,” directing the baronet’s attention to that article lying on the table, “because Lord Hood mentioned in his letter to me that, considering the youth of Mr. Thornton, he had better be accompanied to London by his friend Lieutenant O’Loughlin, who would have, conjointly with Master Thornton, the care of the casket. Acquainted with this proceeding on the part of Lord Hood, I considered it my duty to secure the presence of Mr. O’Loughlin on the occasion of this meeting.” “I can see no objection,” said Sir Godfrey; “but I think Lord Hood might have dispensed with the services of so young a lad as Master Thornton altogether.” This was said in an ungracious tone, and O’Loughlin’s cheek flushed as he retorted rather sharply— “Faith! Sir Godfrey, perhaps his services in saving mother and daughter’s life might equally be dispensed with. As I find——” The lawyer coughed, fidgeted about, and, seeing a dark frown on Sir Godfrey’s brow, interrupted the worthy lieutenant by saying— “Excuse me, gentlemen, but business is business; we will at once open the casket, and see to its contents.” Approaching the table, he took it up, remarking that it was heavy.