"He said he would wait till you came in." Mrs.Clifton's face flushed.
"I will go down and see him," she said.

"Ida, you will remain here." She descended to the drawing room, and met the man who had injured her.
He had come with the resolve to stake his all upon one desperate cast.
His fortunes were desperate.

But he had one hope left.

Through the mother's love for the daughter, whom she had mourned so long, whom as he believed he had it in his power to restore to her, he hoped to obtain her consent to a marriage which would retrieve his fortunes and gratify his ambition.
Mrs.Clifton entered the room, and seated herself quietly.

She bowed slightly, but did not, as usual, offer her hand.