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.”

With these words Mark turned away and left the house.  The old man, in grief and alarm at the effect of his words, called after him, but he heeded him not.

“Run after him, and tell him to come back,” he cried to a servant who stood near and had listened to what had passed between them.  The order was obeyed, but it was of no avail.  Mark returned a bitter answer to the message he brought him, and continued on his way.  As he was hurrying along, suddenly he encountered Jenny.  It was strange that he should meet her so often.  There was something in it more than accident, and he felt that it was so.

“God bless you, Jenny!” he exclaimed with much feeling, catching hold of her hand and kissing it.  “We may never meet again.  They thought I meant you harm, and have driven me away.  But, Heaven knows how little of evil purpose was in my heart!  Farewell!  Sometimes, when you are kneeling to say your nightly prayers, think of me, and breathe my name in your petitions.  I will need the prayers of the innocent.  Farewell!”

And under the impulse of the moment, Mark bent forward and pressed his lips fervently upon her pure forehead; then, springing away, left her bewildered and in tears.

Mark hurried on towards the nearest landing place on the river, some three miles distant, which he reached just as a steamboat was passing.  Waving his handkerchief, as a signal, the boat rounded to, and touching at the rude pier, took him on board.  He arrived in New York that evening, and on the next morning started for Washington to see after his application for a midshipman’s appointment in the navy.  It was on this occasion that the young man became aware of the secret influence of his father against the application which had been made.  His mind, already feverishly excited, lost its balance under this new disturbing cause.