e has incurred."

Harold's countenance had become very gloomy during this peroration. He
made no attempt at reply, but gathered up his papers, and, gnawing his
fringe of moustache, walked out of the room, while Eustace provoked me
by volunteering explanations that Prometesky was no friend of his, only
of Harold's. His lordship declared himself satisfied, provided no
dangerous opinions had been imbibed, and truly Eustace might honestly
acquit himself of having any opinions at all.

That afternoon he drove Lord Erymanth to Mycening, whence the railway
was now open. Harold could nowhere be found, and kind messages were
left for him, for which he was scarcely grateful when he came in late
in the evening, calling Lord Erymanth intolerably vindictive, to bear
malice for five-and-twenty years.

I could not get him to see that it was entirely judicial indignation,
and desire for the good of the country, not in the least personal
feeling; but Harold had not yet the perception of the legislative
sentiment that actuates men of station in England. His strong
inclination was not to go near the old man or his house again, but this
was no small distress to Eustace, who, in spite of all his vaunting,
dreaded new scenes without a protector, and I set myself to persuade
him that it was due to his cousin not to hide himself, and avoid
society so as to give a colour to evil report.

"It might be best to separate myself from him altogether and go back."
On this, Eustace cried out with horror and dismay, and Harold answered,
"Never fear, old chap; I'm not going yet. Not till I have seen you in
good hands."

"And you'll accept the invitation," said Eustace, taking up one of the
coroneted notes that invited us each for two nights to the castle.

"Very well."

"And you'll come up to town, and have a proper suit."

"As you please."

Eustace went off to the library to find some crested paper and
envelopes worthy to bear the acceptance, and Harold stood musing. "A
good agent and a good wife would set him on his feet to go alone," he
said.

"Meantime he cannot do without you."

"Not in some ways."

"And even this acquaintance is your achievement, not his."

"Such as it is."

I pointed out that though Lord Erymanth refused to assist Prometesky,
his introduction might lead to those who might do so, while isolation
was a sort of helplessness. To this he agreed, saying, "I must free
him before I go back."

"And do you really