"I have heard of Lord Maltravers from my mother," he said; "of course I was prejudiced against you, at first, on account of that affair of Mr. Cobb's; now that is all removed."
"Thank you," replied Jack. "I am glad to hear you say so, because I want to stand well with you."
"We Americans are quite as punctilious and particular as you English," said Van Hoosen; "and I can tell you that the best families think as much of themselves as you aristocrats who are descended from the Normans."
"Why should you not?"
"Well, we are friends. You have proved yourself a man, Harkaway, and I shall always esteem you."
"May I beg one favor?" exclaimed Jack.
"Anything in my power, to grant, you can command," was the warm reply.
"It is useless to disguise the fact that I love your sister, and I have every reason to believe that she is not indifferent to me. Will you use your influence with her, on my behalf?"
The expression of vexation which Jack had previously remarked deepened on Alfred's face.
"I will do so," he replied; "but I fear it will not avail you."