veral
dinner-tables. Mr. Dill, who had been present, remained rubbing his
hands with satisfaction, and casting admiring glances at Mr. Carlyle.

"What's the matter, Dill?" asked the latter; "you look as though you
were pleased at this movement, and assumed that I should accept it."

"And so you will, Mr. Archibald. And as to the looking pleased, there's
not a man, woman or child in West Lynne who won't do that."

"Don't make too sure, Dill."

"Of which, sir--of your becoming our member, or of the people looking
pleased?"

"Of either," laughed Mr. Carlyle.

He quitted the office to walk home, revolving the proposition as he
did so. That he had long thought of some time entering parliament was
certain, though no definite period of the "when" had fixed itself in his
mind. He saw not why he should confine his days entirely to toil, to the
work of his calling. Pecuniary considerations did not require it, for
his realized property, combined with the fortune brought by Barbara, was
quite sufficient to meet expenses, according to their present style of
living. Not that he had the least intention of giving up his business;
it was honorable, as he conducted it, and lucrative, and he really liked
it. He would not have been condemned to lead an idle life for the world;
but there was no necessity for his being always at it. Mr. Dill made
as good a principal as he did, and--if length of service and experience
might be counted--a better one. He could safely be left to manage during
the time it would be necessary for him, Mr. Carlyle, to be in London. He
would rather represent West Lynne than any other spot on the face of
the earth, no matter what might be the other's importance; and, as West
Lynne was now in want of a member, perhaps his opportunity had come.
That he would make a good and efficient public servant, he believed; his
talents were superior, his oratory persuasive, and he had the gift of a
true and honest spirit. That he would have the interest of West Lynne,
at heart was certain, and he knew that he should serve his constituents
to the very best of his power and ability. They knew it also.

Before Mr. Carlyle had reached East Lynne, he had decided that it should
be.

It was a fine spring evening. The lilac was in bloom, the hedges and
trees were clothed in their early green, and all things seemed full of
promise. Even Mr. Carlyle's heart was rejoicing in the prospect opened
to it; he was sure he should like a pub