We continued firm friends
until the night before he left college, when the quarrel, which I do
not mean to particularize, took place; from which period we never met,
and all correspondence ceased between us. I heard, that in after-years,
he made a love connexion; but I never learned the particulars from any
one but your uncle Robert; and he did not inform me, that Edward had
left a son--nor can I comprehend his motive for concealing the fact."

Sir Alexander paused and looked earnestly in my face. I felt the blood
rush to my temples.

"I do not doubt your veracity, young sir. You are too like the man I
loved so long and well, for me to question your origin. But are you
_certain_ that you are Edward Moncton's _legitimate_ son?"

"I feel no doubt upon the subject; my heart tells me that I am his
lawful representative; and I trust that heaven will one day enable me
to substantiate my claims." This was said with a vehemence that brought
the tears into my eyes.

"Does Robert Moncton admit them?"

"No."

"On what grounds?"

"He affirms, that no certificate of my mother's marriage can be found,
and without this important document, the law will not acknowledge me as
Edward Moncton's legitimate son."

"Or Alexander Moncton's heir," replied the Baronet. "But I do not judge
like the rest of the world, young man, and dare to think and act for
myself. This uncle of yours is a cunning man: I know him and his ways
of old. I know how he fomented the quarrel between his brother and me,
to gain his own ends; and this son of his--this Theophilus, is a
finished scoundrel! It is mortifying to the pride of an English
gentleman to acknowledge such men as his successors."

The old man rose from his seat, and paced the room for some time in
silence. He was so much occupied with his own reflections, that I had
leisure to examine his countenance minutely.

A strong family likeness existed between him and my father, and uncle
Robert; and as for me, I might have passed for his son. He had the same
high forehead, aquiline nose, chestnut curling hair, and dark piercing
eyes; but his face lacked the careless, frank, good-nature of my
father's, and was totally destitute of the subtle, stern demeanour of
my uncle's. The expression was more simple, and less worldly than
either. It was a thoughtful, intellectual, benevolent physiognomy,
which excited feelings of confidence and affection, at first sight.
While looking at him, I thought I had k