His tall commanding figure was slightly bent in the shoulders, and his hair was thickly sprinkled with grey; yet, his age could scarcely have exceeded fifty. His complexion, unlike my handsome uncle's, was very pale, and an early acquaintance with grief might be traced in the lines which furrowed his ample white forehead.
After a few turns through the room, he resumed his seat.
"Mr. Geoffrey Moncton," said he, grasping me warmly by the hand, "I wish sincerely that you could prove your legitimacy. There is something about you that pleases and interests me. If ever you stand in need of assistance you may rely upon me as your friend. It is not Robert Moncton's bare assertion that will make me believe you a bastard. Tell me all you know about yourself."
I endeavoured to speak, but I was so completely overwhelmed by his unexpected kindness, that I could find no words to express my thanks, or comply with his request.
A loud knocking at the door, announced the arrival of Mr. Moncton.
"That is my uncle's knock," cried I, breaking the spell that bound me.
"We will talk over this matter again, Geoffrey. If we cannot get an opportunity, you must write, and tell me all you know."
Before I could promise anything Mr. Moncton entered the room. He cast a hurried, scrutinizing glance at me, and seemed surprised and annoyed at finding me on such intimate terms with the baronet, to whom he gave a most cordial and flattering welcome.
The other met his advances with cold and studied politeness. It was evident to me that he, too, put a restraint upon his feelings.
"I am sorry, Sir Alexander, that I was from home when you arrived. This visit _from you_ is such an _unexpected_ favour."
"Your absence, Robert Moncton, gave me an opportunity of making the acquaintance of your nephew, whom I have found a very agreeable and entertaining substitute, as well as a near relation."
Mr. Moncton regarded me with a haughty and contemptuous smile.
"I am happy to learn that your time was so agreeably spent. By-the-by, Geoffrey," turning abruptly to me, and speaking in a hasty, authoritative tone, "are those papers transcribed I gave you at parting? They will be required in court early to-morrow."
"They are ready, sir, and many others that have been placed in my hands since. We have been hard at work in the office all day."