The measured manner in which Vane expressed himself, and the earnestness which led old Wilton to be explicit in his views and wishes, occasioned some time to be consumed before the latter could fulfil his intention—floating through his mind all the while he was talking with his new guest—not to suffer Gomer abruptly to depart, and in anger, too. So, as soon as he could conveniently take the opportunity, he rang his bell, and bade his servant acquaint Mr. Gomer that he should be glad of a few words with him.
“He’s gone, sir, and taken t’other old gentleman with him,” replied the man.
“The other old gentleman?” repeated Mr. Wilton, with surprise.
“Yes, sir, one of they two that came with him, sir,” replied the man.
“Which?” asked Wilton, startled.
“I don’t know which,” replied the man, with a stupid expression of countenance; “but Mr. Mark, he do, sir; because Mr. Gomer spoke to him before he left the hall, sir.”
“Send Mr. Mark to me!” exclaimed Mr. Wilton, sharply.
The man disappeared, and, in a few minutes, Mark Wilton made his appearance. He greeted Lester Vane with stern and haughty coldness—conduct his father viewed with irritation, though he made no remark then in reference to it, but confined himself to the matter upon which he had sent for him.
“I hear, Mark,” he said “that Gomer has left the Hall for the railway station, is it so?”
“Surely, sir,” answered Mark, with surprise, “you are aware of that fact. He informed me that he had parted with you.”