"I will see what can be done for the lad. He seems a bright young fellow."
After saying this, he named the most liberal terms for the license, and when it was made out by his clerk and Mr. Dobbs had paid for it, with a very low bow, I turned to leave the office. At this moment a gentleman entered, whom the Mayor introduced to my benefactor. After doing so, he was beginning to mention what I had come to him for, when the new-comer turned to me, saying:
"Why, I know this young lad. He is my nephew."
The Mayor gazed at me and Mr. Dobbs, with some considerable surprise, as he ejaculated:
"Indeed!"
I felt that my face had crimsoned up to the very roots of my hair, but my reply was prompt and very bitter:
"You are entirely wrong, sir!"
It was impossible for me to avoid recalling the fact that he had not made me the slightest offer of assistance, while my generous benefactor had not only loaned me money, but given me some three hours of his time—the last, possibly, being the greatest amount of kindness.
"How?" said my uncle, knitting his brows. "Are not you the son of Mr. ——, of Galena?"