, it
was the agitation of a man without courage. After Gibson had left the
room, he grew absolutely nervous, both in mind and body, and felt as if
he were unequal to the conflict that he expected. On hearing the firm,
manly tread of the stranger, his heart sank, and a considerable portion
of his violence abandoned him, though not the ungenerous purpose which
the result of their interview might possibly render necessary. At all
events, he felt that he was about to meet the stranger in a much more
subdued spirit than he had expected; simply because, not being naturally
a brave or a firm man, his courage, and consequently his resentment,
cooled in proportion as the distance between them diminished.

Sir Thomas was standing with his back to the fire as the stranger
entered. The manner of the latter was cool, but cautious, and his bow
that of a perfect gentleman. The baronet, surprised into more than he
had intended, bowed haughtily in return--a mark of respect which it was
not his intention to have paid him.

"I presume, sir," said he, "that I understand the object of this visit?"

"You and I, Sir Thomas Gourlay," replied the stranger, "have had
one interview already--and but one; and I am not aware that anything
occurred then between us that could enable you to account for my
presence here."

"Well, sir, perhaps so," replied the baronet, with a sneer; "but to what
may I attribute the honor of that distinguished presence?"

"I come, Sir Thomas Gourlay, to seek for an explanation on a subject of
the deepest importance to the party under whose wishes and instructions
I act."

"That party, sir," replied the baronet, who alluded to his daughter,
"has forfeited every right to give you instructions on that, or any
other subject where I am concerned. And, indeed, to speak candidly,
I hardly know whether more to admire her utter want of all shame in
deputing you on such a mission, or your own immeasurable effrontery in
undertaking it."

"Sir Thomas Gourlay," replied the stranger, with a proud smile on his
lips, "I beg to assure you, once for all, that it is not my intention to
notice, much less return, such language as you have now applied to me.
Whatever you may forget, sir, I entreat you to remember that you are
addressing a gentleman, who is anxious in this interview, as well as
upon all occasions when we may meet, to treat you with courtesy. And I
beg to say now, that I regret the warmth of my language to you, though
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