SQUIRE (his brow lowering).—“That’s very true. Frank is d—-d extravagant; treats me very coolly, too—not coming; near three o’clock. By the by, I suppose he told you where I was, otherwise how did you find me out?”
RANDAL (reluctantly).—“Sir, he did; and to speak frankly, I am not surprised that he has not yet appeared.”
SQUIRE.—“Eh!”
RANDAL.—“We have grown very intimate.”
SQUIRE.—“So he writes me word,—and I am glad of it. Our member, Sir John, tells me you are a very clever fellow, and a very steady one. And Frank says that he wishes he had your prudence, if he can’t have your talent. He has a good heart, Frank,” added the father, relentingly. “But zounds, sir, you say you are not surprised he has not come to welcome his own father!”
“My dear sir,” said Randal, “you wrote word to Frank that you had heard from Sir John and others of his goings-on, and that you were not satisfied with his replies to your letters.”
“Well.”
“And then you suddenly come up to town.”
“Well.”
“Well. And Frank is ashamed to meet you. For, as you say, he has been extravagant, and he has exceeded his allowance; and knowing my respect for you and my great affection for himself, he has asked me to prepare you to receive his confession and forgive him. I know I am taking a great liberty. I have no right to interfere between father and son; but pray—pray think I mean for the best.”