ned at a more unfortunate time;--the Ministry
going out, and everything. But, as I was saying, it is all very well
for him to do what he can. He is related to them, and is bound to
save the honour of his relations if it be possible. I like him for
going. I always liked him. As I said to my friend De Guest, 'That
young man will make his way.' And I rather fancy that the chance word
which I spoke then to my valued old friend was not thrown away in
Eames's favour. But, my dear Miss Dale, where did Mr. Crawley get that
cheque? That's what I want to know. If you can tell me that, then I
can tell you whether or no he will be acquitted."

Lily did not feel a strong prepossession in favour of Sir Raffle, in
spite of his praise of John Eames. The harsh voice of the man annoyed
her, and his egotism offended her. When, much later in the evening,
his character came on for discussion between herself and Mrs. Thorne
and Emily Dunstable, she had not a word to say in his favour. But
still she had been pleased to meet him, because he was the man with
whom Johnny's life was most specially concerned. I think that a
portion of her dislike to him arose from the fact that in continuing
the conversation he did not revert to his private secretary, but
preferred to regale her with stories of his own doings in wonderful
cases which had partaken of interest similar to that which now
attached itself to Mr. Crawley's case. He had known a man who had
stolen a hundred pounds, and had never been found out; and another
man who had been arrested for stealing two-and-sixpence which was
found afterwards sticking to a bit of butter at the bottom of a
plate. Mrs. Thorne had heard all this, and had answered him, "Dear me,
Sir Raffle," she had said, "what a great many thieves you have had
amongst your acquaintance!" This had rather disconcerted him, and
then there had been no more talking about Mr. Crawley.

It had been arranged on this morning that Mr. Dale should return to
Allington and leave Lily with Mrs. Thorne. Some special need of his
presence at home, real or assumed, had arisen, and he had declared
that he must shorten his stay in London by about half the intended
period. The need would not have been so pressing, probably, had he
not felt that Lily would be more comfortable with Mrs. Thorne than in
his lodgings in Sackville Street. Lily had at first declared that
she would return with him, but everybody had protested against this.
Emily Dunstable h