his time, that she is. I had to pay for my passage,
though;" at which recollection he swore. "That's money gone. Never mind:
there's worse gone with it. Ain't it nasty--don't you think, sir--to get
tired of a young woman you've been keepin' company with, and have to be
her companion, whether you will, or whether you won't? She's sick enough
now. We travelled all night. I got her on board; got her to go to her
bed; and, says I, I'll arrange about the luggage. I packs myself down
into a boat, and saw the ship steam away a good'n. Hanged if I didn't
catch myself singin'. And haven't touched a drop o' drink, nor will,
till tomorrow's over. Don't you think 'Daehli's' a very pretty name,
sir? I run back to her as hard as rail 'd carry me. She's had a letter
from her sister, recommending o' her to marry me: 'a noble man,' she
calls me--ha, ha! that's good. 'And what do you think, my dear?' says I;
and, bother me, if I can screw either a compliment or a kiss out of her.
She's got fine lady airs of her own. But I'm fond of her, that I am.
Well, sir, at the church door, after the ceremony, you settle our
business, honour bright--that's it, en't it?"

Algernon nodded. Sedgett's talk always produced discomfort in his
ingenuous bosom.

"By the way, what politics are you?" he asked.

Sedgett replied, staring, that he was a Tory, and Algernon nodded again,
but with brows perturbed at the thought of this ruffian being of the
same political persuasion as himself.

"Eh?" cried Sedgett; "I don't want any of your hustings pledges,
though. You'll be at the door tomorrow, or I'll have a row--mind that. A
bargain's a bargain. I like the young woman, but I must have the money.
Why not hand it over now?"

"Not till the deed's done," said Algernon, very reasonably.

Sedgett studied his features, and as a result remarked: "You put me up
to this: I'll do it, and trust you so far, but if I'm played on, I
throw the young woman over and expose you out and out. But you mean
honourable?"

"I do," Algernon said of his meaning.

Another knock sounded on the door. It proved to be a footman in Sir
William's livery, bearing a letter from Edward; an amplification of the
telegram:

"Dear Algy, Stop it. I'm back, and have to see
my father. I may be down about two, or three, or four,
in the morning. No key; so, keep in. I want to see
you. My whole life is changed. I must see her. Did
you get my telegram? Answer, by messenger; I shall