Your suspicions, on _that head_ at least, are erroneous." "Be that as it may," said Sir Alexander, "Theophilus Moncton shall never darken my doors until the grave closes over me." He left the room while speaking.

A few minutes later, a carriage dashed from the door at a rapid rate, and I felt certain that he had quitted the house.

My uncle's step approached.

I let my head drop upon the table and feigned sleep, and without attempting to waken me, he withdrew.
From that night a marked alteration took place in his manner towards me.

It was evident that the commendations bestowed upon me by Sir Alexander had ruined me in his eyes, and he considered me in the light of a formidable rival.