"'Have you nothing to say in my behalf, sir?' he said, very quietly; 'I
have been very much attached to you, sir, and I don't want to think
badly of you at parting. Haven't you one word to say in my behalf?'

"Mr. Henry made no answer. He sat with his head bent forward upon his
breast, and seemed as if he dare not lift his eyes to his uncle's face.

"'No!' Mr. Hugh answered, as sternly as before, 'he has nothing to say
for you. Go; and consider this a lucky escape.'

"Joseph turned upon the banker, with his face all in a crimson flame,
and his eyes flashing fire. 'Let _him_ consider it a lucky escape,' he
said, pointing to Mr. Henry Dunbar,--'let _him_ consider it a lucky
escape, if when we next meet he gets off scot free.'

"He was gone before any body could answer him.

"Then Mr. Hugh Dunbar turned to his nephew.

"'As for you,' he said, 'you have been a spoilt child of fortune, and
you have not known how to value the good things that Providence has
given you. You have begun life at the top of the tree, and you have
chosen to fling your chances into the gutter. You must begin again, and
begin this time upon the lowest step of the ladder. You will sell your
commission, and sail for Calcutta by the next ship that leaves
Southampton. To-day is the 23rd of August, and I see by the _Shipping
Gazette_ that the _Oronoko_ sails on the 10th of September. This will
give you little better than a fortnight to make all your arrangements."