Brayder. "You do the keeping, I offer to parade the
demi. I must say, though, it's a queer notion of the old gentleman."

"It's the continuation of a philosophic plan," said Adrian.

Brayder followed the curvings of the whiff of his cigar with his eyes,
and ejaculated, "Infernally philosophic!"

"Has Lord Mountfalcon left the island?" Adrian inquired.

"Mount? to tell the truth I don't know where he is. Chasing some light
craft, I suppose. That's poor Mount's weakness. It's his ruin, poor
fellow! He's so confoundedly in earnest at the game."

"He ought to know it by this time, if fame speaks true," remarked
Adrian.

"He's a baby about women, and always will be," said Brayder. "He's been
once or twice wanting to marry them. Now there's a woman--you've
heard of Mrs. Mount? All the world knows her.--If that woman hadn't
scandalized."--The young man joined them, and checked the communication.
Brayder winked to Adrian, and pitifully indicated the presence of an
innocent.

"A married man, you know," said Adrian.

"Yes, yes!--we won't shock him," Brayder observed. He appeared to study
the young man while they talked.

Next morning Richard was surprised by a visit from his aunt. Mrs. Doria
took a seat by his side and spoke as follows:

"My dear nephew. Now you know I have always loved you, and thought of
your welfare as if you had been my own child. More than that, I fear.
Well, now, you are thinking of returning to--to that place--are you not?
Yes. It is as I thought. Very well now, let me speak to you. You are
in a much more dangerous position than you imagine. I don't deny your
father's affection for you. It would be absurd to deny it. But you are
of an age now to appreciate his character. Whatever you may do he will
always give you money. That you are sure of; that you know. Very well.
But you are one to want more than money: you want his love. Richard, I
am convinced you will never be happy, whatever base pleasures you may be
led into, if he should withhold his love from you. Now, child, you
know you have grievously offended him. I wish not to animadvert on your
conduct.--You fancied yourself in love, and so on, and you were rash.
The less said of it the better now. But you must now--it is your duty
now to do something--to do everything that lies in your power to show
him you repent. No interruptions! Listen to me. You must consider
him. Austin is not like other men. Austin requires the most delicate
managemen