The old gentleman took off his glasses and returned them to his vest pocket, and his face began to flush.

In his early acquaintance with Mr Croft he had not objected to him, because he wished his niece to have company, and he had a firm belief in the enduring quality of her affection for Junius.

But, latterly, his ideas in regard to the New York gentleman had changed.

He had thought him somewhat too assiduous, and when he had unexpectedly returned from the North, Mr Brandon had not been at all pleased, although he had been careful not to show his displeasure.

This condition of things made him feel uneasy, and had prompted his visit to the widow Keswick.