"Are you sure that I cannot see my grandfather" said I, laying a stress upon the word.
"I will tell him that you are here, sir," replied the man, "but even that is against orders."
I had never seen my uncle since I was a child, and could not even recollect him—my cousins, or my aunt, I had never met with. In a minute an answer was brought, requesting that I would walk into the library. When I was ushered in, I found myself in the presence of Lord Privilege, who sat in his usual place, and a tall gentleman, whom I knew at once to be my uncle, from his likeness to my father.
"Here is the young gentleman, my lord," said my uncle, looking at me sternly.
"Heh! what—oh? I recollect. Well, child, so you've been behaving very ill—sorry to hear it. Good-bye."
"Behaving ill, my lord!" replied I. "I am not aware of having so done."
"Reports are certainly very much against you, nephew," observed my uncle, drily. "Some one has told your grandfather what has much displeased him. I know nothing about it myself."
"Then some rascal has slandered me, sir," replied I.
My uncle started at the word rascal; and then recovering himself, replied, "Well, nephew, what is it that you require of Lord Privilege, for I presume this visit is not without a cause?"
"Sir," replied I, "my visit to Lord Privilege was, first to thank him for having procured me my commission as lieutenant, and to request the favour that he would obtain me active employment, which a line from him will effect immediately."