er fears to Mr.
Scully every time he called there, and the sympathising attorney used to
console her as best he might. Sir George's country agent neglected the
property--his lady consulted Mr. Scully concerning it. He knew to a
fraction how large her jointure was; how she was to have Gorgon Castle
for her life; and how, in the event of the young baronet's death (he,
too, was a sickly poor boy), the chief part of the estates, bought by
her money, would be at her absolute disposal.

"What a pity these odious politics prevent me from having you for our
agent," would Lady Gorgon say; and indeed Scully thought it was a pity
too. Ambitious Scully! what wild notions filled his brain. He used to
take leave of Lady Gorgon and ruminate upon these things; and when he
was gone, Sir George and her Ladyship used to laugh.

"If we can but commit him--if we can but make him vote for Pincher,"
said the General, "my peerage is secure. Hawksby and Crampton as good as
told me so."

The point had been urged upon Mr. Scully repeatedly and adroitly. "Is
not Pincher a more experienced man than Macabaw?" would Sir George say
to his guest over their wine. Scully allowed it. "Can't you vote for
him on personal grounds, and say so in the House?" Scully wished he
could--how he wished he could! Every time the General coughed, Scully
saw his friend's desperate situation more and more, and thought how
pleasant it would be to be lord of Gorgon Castle. "Knowing my property,"
cried Sir George, "as you do, and with your talents and integrity, what
a comfort it would be could I leave you as guardian to my boy! But these
cursed politics prevent it, my dear fellow. Why WILL you be a Radical?"
And Scully cursed politics too. "Hang the low-bred rogue," added Sir
George, when William Pitt Scully left the house: "he will do everything
but promise."

"My dear General," said Lady Gorgon, sidling up to him and patting him
on his old yellow cheek--"My dear Georgy, tell me one thing,--are you
jealous?"

"Jealous, my dear! and jealous of THAT fellow--pshaw!"

"Well, then, give me leave, and you shall have the promise to-morrow."

* * *

To-morrow arrived. It was a remarkably fine day, and in the forenoon
Mr. Perkins gave his accustomed knock at Scully's study, which was only
separated from his own sitting-room by a double door. John had wisely
followed his uncle's advice, and was on the best terms with the
honourable Mem