borough, if it had not been just, and necessary to the place, under
the partial and iniquitous laws of Great Britain."

"And pray," inquired Little, "where is the justice of taking a master's
gear because his paid workman is in your debt?"

"And where is the justice of taking a lodger's goods in execution for
the house-tenant's debt, which debt the said lodger is helping the said
tenant to pay? We must do the best we can. No master is rattened for
a workman's fault without several warnings. But the masters will never
co-operate with justice till their bands and screws go. That wakes them
up directly."

"Well, Mr. Grotait, I never knew you worsted in an argument: and this
nut is too hard for my teeth, so I'm off to my work. Ratten me now and
then for your own people's fault, if you are QUITE sure justice and
public opinion demand it; but no more gunpowder, please."

"Heaven forbid, Mr. Little. Gunpowder! I abhor it."

CHAPTER XXV.

There came a delightful letter from Grace Carden, announcing her return
on a certain evening, and hoping to see Henry next morning.

He called accordingly, and was received with outstretched hands and
sparkling eyes, and words that repaid him for her absence.

After the first joyful burst, she inquired tenderly why he was so pale:
had he been ill?

"No."

"No trouble nor anxiety, dear?"

"A little, at first, till your sweet letters made me happy. No; I did
not even know that I was pale. Overstudy, I suppose. Inventing is hard
work."

"What are you inventing?"

"All manner of things. Machine to forge large axes; another to grind
circular saws; a railway clip: but you don't care about such things."

"I beg your pardon, sir. I care about whatever interests you."

"Well, these inventions interest me very much. One way or other, they
are roads to fortune; and you know why I desire fortune."

"Ah, that I do. But excuse me, you value independence more. Oh, I
respect you for it. Only don't make yourself pale, or you will make me
unhappy, and a foe to invention."

On this Mr. Little made himself red instead of pale, and beamed with
happiness.

They spent a delightful hour together, and, even when they parted, their
eyes lingered on each other.

Soon after this the Cardens gave a dinner-party, and Grace asked if she
might invite Mrs. Little and Mr. Little.

"What, is he presentable?"

"More than that," said Grace, coloring. "They are both very superior to
most of our