d down to
Noningsby, and if his father chose to encourage Graham, why should
he make difficulties? He had conceived some general idea that Felix
Graham was not a guest to be welcomed into a rich man's family as a
son-in-law. He was poor and crotchety, and as regards professional
matters unsteady. But all that was a matter for his father to
consider, not for him. So he held his peace as touching Graham, and
contrived to change the subject, veering round towards that point of
the compass which had brought him into Harley Street.

"Perhaps then, Miss Furnival, it might answer some purpose if I were
to get myself run over outside there. I could get one of Pickford's
vans, or a dray from Barclay and Perkins', if that might be thought
serviceable."

"It would be of no use in the world, Mr. Staveley. Those very
charitable middle-aged ladies opposite, the Miss Mac Codies, would
have you into their house in no time, and when you woke from your
first swoon, you would find yourself in their best bedroom, with one
on each side of you."

"And you in the mean time--"

"I should send over every morning at ten o'clock to inquire after
you--in mamma's name. 'Mrs. Furnival's compliments, and hopes Mr.
Staveley will recover the use of his legs.' And the man would bring
back word: 'The doctor hopes he may, miss; but his left eye is gone
for ever.' It is not everybody that can tumble discreetly. Now you, I
fancy, would only disfigure yourself."

"Then I must try what fortune can do for me without the brewer's
dray."

"Fortune has done quite enough for you, Mr. Staveley; I do not advise
you to tempt her any further."

"Miss Furnival, I have come to Harley Street to-day on purpose to
tempt her to the utmost. There is my hand--"

"Mr. Staveley, pray keep your hand for a while longer in your own
possession."

"Undoubtedly I shall do so, unless I dispose of it this morning. When
we were at Noningsby together, I ventured to tell you what I felt for
you--"

"Did you, Mr. Staveley? If your feelings were anything beyond the
common, I don't remember the telling."

"And then," he continued, without choosing to notice her words, "you
affected to believe that I was not in earnest in what I said to you."

"And you must excuse me if I affect to believe the same thing of you
still."

Augustus Staveley had come into Harley Street with a positive resolve
to throw his heart and hand and fortune at the feet of Miss Furnival.
I fear that I s