other. I assure you, then, madam, that I am not a knight-errant
travelling in disguise and in quest of adventure, but a plain gentleman,
by name Woodward, step-son to a neighbor of yours, Mr. Lindsay, of
Rathfillan House. I need scarcely say that I am Mrs. Lindsay's son by
her first husband. And now, madam, may I beg to know the name of the
family to whom I am indebted for so much kindness."

Mrs. Goodwin and her husband exchanged glances, and something like a
slight cloud appeared to overshadow for a moment the expression of their
countenances. At length Mr. Goodwin spoke.

"My name, sir," he proceeded, "is Goodwin; and until a recent melancholy
event, your family and mine were upon the best and most cordial terms;
but, unfortunately, I must say that we are not so now--a circumstance
which I and mine deeply regret. You must not imagine, however, that
the knowledge of your name and connections could make the slightest
difference in our conduct toward you on that account. Your family, Mr.
Woodward, threw off our friendship and disclaimed all intimacy with us;
but I presume you are not ignorant of the cause of it."

"I should be uncandid if I were to say so, sir. I am entirely aware of
the cause of it; but I cannot see that there is any blame whatsoever
to be attached to either you or yours for the act of my poor uncle. I
assure you, sir, I am sorry that my family failed to consider it in its
proper light; and you will permit me to request that you we not identify
my conduct with theirs. So far as I am least am concerned, my uncle's
disposition of his property shall make no breach nor occasion any
coolness between us. On the contrary, I shall feel honored by being
permitted to pay my respects to you all, and to make myself worthy of
your good opinions."