Mr.Crowe, when he went out from the young man's presence, had no longer any doubt on his mind as to his client's pecuniary capability.
On the following day at twelve o'clock, Captain O'Hara, punctual to the minute, was at the barracks; and there also sitting in Neville's room, was the attorney.

But Neville himself was not there, and the Captain immediately felt that he had been grossly imposed upon and swindled.
"And who may I have the honour of addressing, when I speak to you, sir ?" demanded the Captain.
"I am a lawyer." "And Mr.Neville,--my own son-in-law,--has played me that trick!" Mr.Crowe explained that no trick had been played, but did so in language which was no doubt less courteous than would have been used had Mr.Neville been present.

As, however, the cause of our hero's absence is more important to us than the Captain's prospects that must be first explained.
As soon as the attorney left him Neville had sat down to dinner with his two brother officers, but was not by any means an agreeable companion.
When they attempted to joke with him as to the young lady on the cliffs, he showed very plainly that he did not like it; and when Cornet Simpkinson after dinner raised his glass to drink a health to Miss O'Hara, Mr.Neville told him that he was an impertinent ass.

It was then somewhat past nine, and it did not seem probable that the evening would go off pleasantly.

Cornet Simpkinson lit his cigar, and tried to wink at the Captain.