spel are so happily made to work together that it may safely be
regarded as the neatest compromise which has ever been invented since
Adam sinned.

This time Julian perceived that the brougham was one belonging to the
White Hart Hotel, which Lord Mountclere was using partly from the
necessities of these hasty proceedings, and also because, by so doing, he
escaped the notice that might have been bestowed upon his own equipage,
or men-servants, the Mountclere hammer-cloths being known in Melchester.
Christopher now walked towards the hotel, leisurely, yet with anxiety. He
inquired of a porter what people were staying there that day, and was
informed that they had only one person in the house, Lord Mountclere,
whom sudden and unexpected business had detained in Melchester since the
previous day.

Christopher lingered to hear no more. He retraced the street much more
quickly than he had come; and he only said, 'Lord Mountclere--it must
never be!'

As soon as he entered the house, Faith perceived that he was greatly
agitated. He at once told her of his discovery, and she exclaimed, 'What
a brilliant match!'

'O Faith,' said Christopher, 'you don't know! You are far from knowing.
It is as gloomy as midnight. Good God, can it be possible?'

Faith blinked in alarm, without speaking.

'Did you never hear anything of Lord Mountclere when we lived at
Sandbourne?'

'I knew the name--no more.'

'No, no--of course you did not. Well, though I never saw his face, to my
knowledge, till a short time ago, I know enough to say that, if earnest
representations can prevent it, this marriage shall not be. Father knew
him, or about him, very well; and he once told me--what I cannot tell
you. Fancy, I have seen him three times--yesterday, last night, and this
morning--besides helping him on the road some weeks ago, and never once
considered that he might be Lord Mountclere. He is here almost in
disguise, one may say; neither man nor horse is with him; and his object
accounts for his privacy. I see how it is--she is doing this to benefit
her brothers and sisters, if possible; but she ought to know that if she
is miserable they will never be happy. That's the nature of women--they
take the form for the essence, and that's what she is doing now. I
should think her guardian angel must have quitted her when she agreed to
a marriage which may tear her heart out like a claw.'

'You are too warm about it, Kit--it cannot be so bad