not, as you please. I think you must know that I always had an
independent spirit, and would be the last of mankind to degrade myself by
any servile attempt to alter your line of conduct towards me."

"Independent spirit! Yes!" cried the old man in a mocking tone; "a son
extorts every sixpence he can from his father and mother--ay, Percy, from
his weak loving mother; I know who robbed me to send you money--and then,
when he can extort no more, boasts of his independence. But that will do.
There is no need that we should quarrel. After twenty years' severance,
we can afford to let bygones be bygones. I have told you that I am glad
to see you. If you come to me with disinterested feelings, that is
enough. You may take back your prospectuses. I have nothing to embark in
Yankee speculations. If your scheme is a good one, you will find plenty
of enterprising spirits willing to join you; if it is a bad one, I
daresay you will contrive to find dupes. You can come and see me again
when you please. And now good-night. I find this kind of talk rather
tiring at my age."

"One word before I leave you," said Percival. "On reflection, I think it
will be as well to say nothing about my presence in England to this Mr.
Fenton. I shall be more free to hunt for Marian without his co-operation,
even supposing he were inclined to give it. You have told me all that he
could tell me, I daresay."

"I believe I have."

"Precisely. Therefore no possible good could come of an encounter between
him and me, and I shall be glad if you will keep my name dark."

"As you please, though I can see no reason for secrecy in the matter."