f purse about him; at
least, I cannot detect it. He talks of money reasonably and fairly,
acknowledges what it can and what it cannot do--"

"And what, pray, is that?" broke she in, hastily.

"I don't think there can be much dispute on _that_ score!" said he, in
a voice of pique. "The sturdiest advocate for the power of wealth never
presumed to say it could make a man,--one of us!" said he, after a
pause, that sent the blood to his face.

"But it can, and does, every day," said she, resolutely. "Our peerage is
invigorated by the wealth as well as by the talent of the class beneath
it; and if Mr. Dunn be the millionnaire that common report proclaims
him, I should like to know why that wealth, and all the influence that
it wields, should not be associated with the institutions to which we
owe our stability."

"The wealth and the influence if you like, only not himself," said the
Earl, with a saucy laugh. "My dear Augusta," he added, in a gentle tone,
"he is a most excellent and a very useful man--where he is. The age
suits him, and he suits the age. We live in stirring times, when these
sharp intellects have an especial value."

"You talk as if these men were _your_ tools. Is it not just possible you
may be _theirs?_" said she, impatiently.

"What monstrous absurdity is this, child!" replied he, angrily. "It
is--it is downright--" he grew purple in the endeavor to find the right
word,--"downright Chartism!"

"If so, the Chartists have more of my sympathy than I was aware of."

Fortunately for both, the sudden appearance of Dunn himself put an end
to a discussion which each moment threatened to become perilous,
and whose unpleasant effects were yet visible on their faces. Lord
Glengariff had not sufficiently recovered his composure to do more
than salute Mr. Dunn; while Lady Augusta's confusion was even yet more
marked. They had not walked many steps in company, when Lord Glengariff
was recalled to the cottage by the visit of a neighboring magistrate,
and Lady Augusta found herself alone with Mr. Dunn.

"I am afraid, Lady Augusta," said he, timidly, "my coming up was
inopportune. I suspect I must have interrupted some confidential
conversation."

"No, nothing of the kind," said she, frankly. "My father and I were
discussing what we can never agree upon, and what every day seems to
widen the breach of opinion between us, and I am well pleased that your
arrival should have closed the subject."

"I never meant t