“His grandmother was a Hazeldean.”
“Humph. The same kind relation led you to believe that you could pay off this bond with the marchesa’s portion, and that he could obtain the consent of your parents to your marriage with that lady?”
“I ought to have known better; my father’s prejudices against foreigners and Papists are so strong.”
“And now Mr. Leslie concurs with you, that it is best for you to go abroad, and trust to his intercession with your father. He has evidently, then, gained a great influence over Mr. Hazeldean.”
“My father naturally compares me with him,—he so clever, so promising, so regular in his habits, and I such a reckless scapegrace.”
“And the bulk of your father’s property is unentailed; Mr. Hazeldean might disinherit you?”
“I deserve it. I hope he will.”
“You have no brothers nor sisters,—no relation, perhaps, after your parents, nearer to you than your excellent friend Mr. Randal Leslie?”
“No; that is the reason he is so kind to me, otherwise I am the last person to suit him. You have no idea how well-informed and clever he is,” added Frank, in a tone between admiration and awe.
“My dear Hazeldean, you will take my advice, will you not?”