his pulse was thumping.

"There can be no question I think, Mr. Pearson--between you and me--as
to the nature of such a proposal as that!"

"My dear sir," Mr. Pearson had interrupted hastily, "let me, above all,
ask you to take _time_--time enough, at any rate, to turn the matter
well over in your mind. The interests of a great many people, besides
yourself, are concerned. Don't give me an answer to-night; it is the
last thing I desire. I have thrown out my suggestion. Consider it.
To-morrow is Sunday. If you are disposed to carry it further, come and
see me Monday morning--that's all. I will be at your service at any
hour, and I can then give you a much more complete outline of the
intentions of the Company. Now I really must go and look for Mrs.
Pearson's carriage."

Wharton followed the great man half mechanically across the little room,
his mind in a whirl of mingled rage and desire. Then suddenly he stopped
his companion:

"Has George Denny anything to do with this proposal, Mr. Pearson?"

Mr. Pearson paused, with a little air of vague cogitation.

"George Denny? Mr. George Denny, the member for Westropp? I have had no
dealings whatever with that gentleman in the matter."

Wharton let him pass.

Then as he himself entered the tea-room, he perceived the bending form
of Aldous Raeburn chatting to Lady Winterbourne on his right, and that
tall whiteness close in front, waiting for him.

His brain cleared in a flash. He was perfectly conscious that a bribe
had just been offered him, of the most daring and cynical kind, and that
he had received the offer in the tamest way. An insult had been put upon
him which had for ever revealed the estimate held of him by certain
shrewd people, for ever degraded him in his own eyes.

Nevertheless, he was also conscious that the thing was done. The bribe
would be accepted, the risk taken. So far as his money-matters were
concerned he was once more a free man. The mind had adjusted itself,
reached its decision in a few minutes.

And the first effect of the mingled excitement and self-contempt which
the decision brought with it had been to drive him into the scene with
Marcella. Instinctively he asked of passion to deliver him quickly from
the smart of a new and very disagreeable experience.

* * * * *

Well! why should he not take these men's offer?

He was as much convinced as they that this whole matter of the strike
had of late come to