“Or favour,” added Wilton.
Making a suitable acknowledgment, Hugh then fixed upon Lester Vane a fierce glance of hatred, and addressing Mr. Wilton, while he pointed to the former, said—
“I now, sir, come to the second purpose of my visit. It identifies itself with that person seated by your side.”
Wilton turned with surprise, and looked first at Vane and then at Riversdale.
The face of Lester Vane was blanched, otherwise it exhibited no emotion whatever. A slight smile of defiance only curled his upper lip.
“He is a suitor for your daughter’s hand, and under your promise of its bestowal upon him?” commenced Hugh.
Wilton, with elevated eyebrows, assented.
“Sir, he is the son of a lord. Granted. But it is fit you should know that his father has for years lived abroad.”
“I am aware of that,” exclaimed Wilton, sharply.
“Are you also aware that it is because he cannot show his face to his creditors here in England; are you aware that your intended son-in-law is worse than a beggar; that he is far beyond his depth in debt, that he has already raised money upon your daughter’s expected dowry?”