SQUIRE.—“Can I see the deed with my own eyes?”
BARON.—“Certainly, or how could you be induced to buy it up? But on one condition; you must not betray me to your son. And, indeed, take my advice, and don’t say a word to him on the matter.”
SQUIRE.—“Let me see it, let me see it with my own eyes! His mother else will never believe it—nor will I.”
BARON.—“I can call on you this evening.”
SQUIRE.—“Now, now!”
BARON.—“You can spare me, Randal; and you yourself can open to Mr. Egerton the other affair respecting Lansmere. No time should be lost, lest L’Estrange suggest a candidate.”
RANDAL (whispering).—“Never mind me. This is more important.” (Aloud)—“Go with Mr. Hazeldean. My dear kind friend” (to the squire), “do not let this vex you so much. After all, it is what nine young men out of ten would do in the same circumstances. And it is best you should know it; you may save Frank from further ruin, and prevent, perhaps, this very marriage.”
“We will see,” exclaimed the squire, hastily. “Now, Mr. Levy, come.”
Levy and the squire walked on, not arm in arm, but side by side. Randal proceeded to Egerton’s house.
“I am glad to see you, Leslie,” said the ex-minister. “What is it I have heard? My nephew, Frank Hazeldean, proposes to marry Madame di Negra against his father’s consent? How could you suffer him to entertain an idea so wild? And how never confide it to me?”