But the things of the poor are hardly to the purpose of the predatory relative." "'Predatory relative!'-- a good phrase!" said his lordship, with a sleepy laugh, though his eyes were wide open.

His lips did not seem to care to move, yet he looked pleased.

"To tell you the truth," he began again, "at one period of my history I gave and gave till I was tired of giving! Ingratitude was the sole return.

At one period I had large possessions--larger than I like to think of now: if I had the tenth part of what I have given away, I should not be uneasy concerning Davie." "There is no fear of Davie, my lord, so long as he is brought up with the idea that he must work for his bread." His lordship made no answer, and his look reminded Donal of that he wore when he came to his chamber.

A moment, and he rose and began to pace the room.