nown to be--"

"Never mind what I'm well known to be," said the Curate; "the other day
you thought _I_ was the villain. If you can tell me anything you want me
to do, I will understand that--but I am not desirous to know your
opinion of me," said the careless young man. As he stood listening
impatiently, pausing a second time, Dr Marjoribanks came out to his door
and stepped into his brougham to go off to his morning round of visits.
The Doctor took off his hat when he saw the Curate, and waved it to him
cheerfully with a gesture of congratulation. Dr Marjoribanks was quite
stanch and honest, and would have manfully stood by his intimates in
dangerous circumstances; but somehow he preferred success. It was
pleasanter to be able to congratulate people than to condole with them.
He preferred it, and nobody could object to so orthodox a sentiment.
Most probably, if Mr Wentworth had still been in partial disgrace, the
Doctor would not have seen him in his easy glance down the road; but
though Mr Wentworth was aware of that, the mute congratulation had yet
its effect upon him. He was moved by that delicate symptom of how the
wind was blowing in Carlingford, and forgot all about Elsworthy, though
the man was standing by his side.

"As you're so good as to take it kind, sir," said the clerk of St
Roque's--"and, as I was a-saying, it's well known as you're always
ready to hear a poor man's tale--perhaps you'd let bygones be bygones,
and not make no difference? That wasn't all, Mr Wentworth," he
continued eagerly, as the Curate gave an impatient nod, and turned to
go on. "I've heard as this villain is rich, sir, by means of robbing
of his own flesh and blood;--but it aint for me to trust to what folks
says, after the experience I've had, and never can forgive myself for
being led away," said Elsworthy; "it's well known in Carlingford--"

"For heaven's sake come to the point and be done with it," said the
Curate. "What is it you want me to do?"

"Sir," said Elsworthy, solemnly, "you're a real gentleman, and you
don't bear no malice for what was a mistake--and you aint one to turn
your back on an unfortunate family--and Mr Wentworth, sir, you aint
a-going to stand by and see me and mine wronged, as have always wished
you well. If we can't get justice of him, we can get damages," cried
Elsworthy. "He aint to be let off as if he'd done no harm--and seeing
as it was along of you--"

"Hold your tongue, sir!" cried the Curate. "I