n her heart, though
he had no suspicion that it was given to another. And he was much
too clever not to know also how much he hazards who, in affairs of
courtship, is premature.

"Ah!" he said, "I cannot express my gratitude for words so generous,
encouragement so cheering. But I have never yet dared to utter to Miss
Travers a word that would prepare her even to harbour a thought of me as
a suitor. And I scarcely think I should have the courage to go through
this election with the grief of her rejection on my heart."

"Well, go in and win the election first; meanwhile, at all events, take
leave of Cecilia."

Gordon left his friend, and joined Miss Travers, resolved not indeed
to risk a formal declaration, but to sound his way to his chances of
acceptance.

The interview was very brief. He did sound his way skilfully, and felt
it very unsafe for his footsteps. The advantage of having gained the
approval of the father was too great to be lost altogether, by one of
those decided answers on the part of the daughter which allow of no
appeal, especially to a poor gentleman who wooes an heiress.

He returned to Travers, and said simply, "I bear with me her good-wishes
as well as yours. That is all. I leave myself in your kind hands."

Then he hurried away to take leave of his host and hostess, say a few
significant words to the ally he had already gained in Mrs. Campion, and
within an hour was on his road to London, passing on his way the train
that bore Kenelm to Exmundham. Gordon was in high spirits. At least he
felt as certain of winning Cecilia as he did of winning his election.

"I have never yet failed in what I desired," said he to himself,
"because I have ever taken pains not to fail."

The cause of Gordon's sudden departure created a great excitement in
that quiet circle, shared by all except Cecilia and Sir Peter.

CHAPTER III.

KENELM did not see either father or mother till he appeared at dinner.
Then he was seated next to Cecilia. There was but little conversation
between the two; in fact, the prevalent subject of talk was general and
engrossing, the interest in Chillingly Gordon's election; predictions
of his success, of what he would do in Parliament. "Where," said Lady
Glenalvon, "there is such a dearth of rising young men, that if he were
only half as clever as he is he would be a gain."

"A gain to what?" asked Sir Peter, testily. "To his country? about which
I don't believe he cares a brass