best open his heart, and explain his wishes to his grandfather. He one day prevailed on Arthur to go out without him, and accompany his aunt to pay morning visits in the family-coach, though a vessel for which it was certain he had no penchant; but he really loved the old lady, and was much in the habit of comparing her with poor Lady Anne, by no means to the advantage of the younger party. It was not difficult, during their absence, to lead the conversation, which always veered either to the life or the death of the late lord; and, on this occasion, Sir Edward Hales made more particular inquiries than he had ever done before as to the last words and actions of a son who had been the pride of his life, not less than the centre of his affections.
His grandson told him all that had passed on that awful occasion, allowing no literal deviation from truth, yet, probably, raising his voice the loudest when he repeated the praises of Arthur, and sinking it some what below the claims of an aged ear, when he reverted to the denial of his father respecting the alienation of property necessary for the support of his own dignities, and most happy was he when the old gentleman exclaimed eagerly—
"But Arthur had not risked his life for yours, at that time! he had not preserved you from drowning then!"
"He had not, my dear sir: neither had he placed his affections upon a well-born, but unportioned girl,
