influence over him was a mystery. In fact, what had passed so
hurriedly, was to him more like a dream than a reality.

No further idea of sport entered the mind of the young man on that
day. He remained until after the sun had passed the meridian in this
retired place, and then went slowly back, passing the cottage of
Mrs. Lee on his return. He did not see Jenny as he had hoped. On
meeting Mr. Lofton, Mark became aware of a change in the old man's
feelings towards him, and he guessed at once rightly as to the
cause. If he had experienced any doubts, they would have been
quickly removed.

"Mark!" said the old gentleman, sternly, almost the moment the
grandson came into his presence, "I wish you to go back to New York
to-morrow. I presume I need hardly explain my reason for this wish,
when I tell you that I have just had a visit from old Mrs. Lee."

The fiery spirit of Mark was stung into madness by this further
reaction on him in a matter that involved nothing of criminal
intent. Impulsive in his feelings, and quick to act from them, he
replied with a calmness and even sadness in his voice that Mr.
Lofton did not expect--the calmness was from a strong effort: the
sadness expressed his real feelings:

"I will not trouble you with my presence an hour longer. If evil
arise from this trampling of good impulse out of my heart, the sin
rest on your own head. I never was and never can be patient under a
false judgment. Farewell, grandfather! We may never meet again. If
you hear of evil befalling me, think of it as having some connection
with this hour."