reat respect for the character of
Denton, which she saw was based upon virtuous principles; and this
respect easily changed into love that was true and fervent; but she
knew too well her father's deeply-rooted prejudices in favour of rank
and family, to hope that the current of her love would run smooth. This
proved to be no idle fear. When Henry Denton ventured to approach Mr.
Tomlinson on the subject of his love for Edith, the old gentleman
received him with great discourtesy.

"Who are you, sir?" he asked, drawing himself proudly up.

"I hardly think you need ask that question," the young man replied. "I
am not an entire stranger to you, nor unknown in your neighbourhood."

"But who are you, sir? That is what I ask to know. Who is your father?"

"An honest man, sir." The young man spoke with firmness and dignity.

"Humph! there are plenty of them about. I could marry my daughter to an
honest man any day I liked. Old Cato, my coachman, is an honest man;
but that is no reason why I should let his son Sam marry Edith. No, my
young friend, you cannot connect yourself with my family; be content
with the daughter of some honest man like your father."

But the lover was not to be driven off by even such a rude repulse. He
tried to argue his case, but Mr. Tomlinson cut the matter short by
starting from his seat in great discomposure of mind, and pointing with
a trembling hand to a grim picture on the wall, while he thus addressed
the young man:--

"That, sir, is the portrait of Sir Edgar Tomlinson, who, by interposing
his body between the spear of a Roundhead and his royal master, saved
his life at the imminent risk of his own, for which gallant deed he was
knighted, and afterwards presented, by royal hands, with a noble bride.
When you have done as great a deed, young man, you will be worthy to
claim the hand of my daughter--not before!"

Saying this, the excited father turned away and strode from the room,
leaving Denton in dismay at the quick and hopeless termination of his
conference.

On the next day, the young attorney, who was known to possess fine
talents, acuteness, and extensive legal knowledge, was waited upon by
Mr. Allison.

"I wish your services, Mr. Denton," said he, "in a suit of great
importance that I am about commencing. Here is your retaining
fee,"--and he laid upon the table of the lawyer a check for two hundred
dollars. "If you gain me my cause, your entire fee will be five
thousand dollars.