ty
was keener than her appetite, for she stayed on the watch, although just
informed that her dinner was served. Presently Mr. Carlyle appeared and
she knocked at the window with her knuckles. He did not hear it; he had
turned off at a quick pace toward home. Miss Corny's temper rose.

The clerks came out next, one after another; and the last was Mr. Dill.
He was less hurried than Mr. Carlyle had been, and heard Miss Corny's
signal.

"What in the name of wonder, did all that stream of people want at the
office?" began she, when Mr. Dill had entered in obedience to it.

"That was the deputation, Miss Cornelia."

"What deputation?"

"The deputation to Mr. Archibald. They want him to become their new
member."

"Member of what?" cried she, not guessing at the actual meaning.

"Of parliament, Miss Corny; to replace Mr. Attley. The gentlemen came to
solicit him to be put in nomination."

"Solicit a donkey!" irascibly uttered Miss Corny, for the tidings did
not meet her approbation. "Did Archibald turn them out again?"

"He gave them no direct answer, ma'am. He will consider of it between
now and to-morrow morning."

"_Consider_ of it!" shrieked she. "Why, he'd never, never be such a flat
as to comply. He go into parliament! What next?"

"Why should he not, Miss Corny? I'm sure I should be proud to see him
there."

Miss Corny gave a sniff. "You are proud of things more odd than even
John Dill. Remember that fine shirt front! What has become of it? Is it
laid up in lavender?"

"Not exactly in lavender, Miss Corny. It lies in the drawer; for I have
never liked to put it on since, after what you said."

"Why don't you sell it at half-price, and buy a couple of good useful
ones with the money?" returned she, tartly. "Better that than keep
the foppish thing as a witness of your folly. Perhaps he'll be buying
embroidered fronts next, if he goes into that idle, do-nothing House of
Commons. I'd rather enter myself for six months at the treadmill."

"Oh, Miss Corny! I don't think you have well considered it. It's a great
honor, and worthy of him. He will be elevated above us all, as it were,
and he deserves to be."

"Elevate him on a weathercock!" raged Miss Corny. "There, you may go.
I've heard quite enough."

Brushing past the old gentleman, leaving him to depart or not, as he
might please, Miss Carlyle strode upstairs, flung on her shawl
and bonnet, and strode down again. Her servant looked considerably
surpri