lation, and then said with
quiet cordiality, "Well, think of it, and if you decide to give me your
support, it will be the more valuable as being given on conviction.
Good-day to you, Buller."

The publican had risen, and laid aside his pipe. "Good-day to you, sir,"
said he, and as Bessie inclined her fair head to him also, he bowed with
more confusion and pleasure than could have been expected from the host
of a popular tavern.

Mr. John Short lingered behind, and as the beautiful young people
retired out of hearing, admiringly watched by the publican, the lawyer
plied his insinuating craft and whispered, "You are always a
good-natured man, Buller. Look at those two--_No election, no wedding_."

"You don't say so!" ejaculated Buller with kindly sympathy in his voice.
"A pretty pair, indeed, to run in a curricle! I should think now his
word's as good as his bond--eh? Egad, then, I'll give 'em a plumper!"

The agent shook hands with him on it delighted. "You are a man of your
word too, Buller. I thank you," he said with fervor, and felt that this
form of bribery and corruption had many excuses besides its success. He
did not intend to divulge by what means the innkeeper's pledge had been
obtained, lest his chief might not quite like it, and with a few nods,
becks, and half-words he ensured Buller's silence on the delicate family
arrangement that he had so prematurely confided to his ear. And then he
went back to the "George" with the approving conscience of an agent who
has done his master good secret service without risking any impeachment
of his honor. He fully expected that time would make his words true.
Unless in that confidence, Mr. Short was not the man to have spoken
them, even to win an election.

Mr. Cecil Burleigh and Miss Fairfax strolled a little farther, and then
retraced their steps to the minster, and went in to hear the anthem.
Presently appeared in the distance Mr. Fairfax and Miss Burleigh, and
when the music was over signed to them to come away. Lady Angleby was
waiting in the carriage at the great south door to take them home, and
in the beautiful light of the declining afternoon they drove out of the
town to Brentwood--a big, square, convenient old house, surrounded by a
pleasant garden divided from the high-road by a belt of trees.

Mrs. Betts was already installed in the chamber allotted to her young
lady, and had spread out the pretty new clothes she was to wear. She was
deeply serious, and