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ot _her_ objection to me personally, but, her promise to her mother which had prevented her from lending a favourable ear to my suit. Four o'clock came at last--thank heaven! I rushed out of the office; procured a hansom, with the fastest horse I was able to pick out in my hurry; and, set out homewards. I arrived within the bounds of Saint Canon's parish within the half- hour, thanks to the "pour boire" that I held out, in anticipation of hurry, to my Jehu. A few minutes afterwards, I called at The Terrace. The ladies were both out, the servant said. I called again, later on. Still "not at home," I was told; although, I knew they were in. I had watched both Min and Mrs Clyde enter the house, shortly before my second visit. I was evidently intentionally denied! I went back to my own home. I spent another hour or two, walking up and down my room in the same cheerful way in which I had passed the morning; and then--_then_, I thought I would write to Mrs Clyde. Yes, that would be the best course. I sat down and penned the most vivid sketch of my present grief, asking her to reconsider the former decision she had given against me. I was certain, I said, that it was only through _her_ influence that Min had rejected me; and I earnestly besought her good will. I was now in a better position, I urged, than I had been the previous year, my income being nearly doubled--thanks to Government and what I was able to reap from my literary lucubrations:--what more could she require? Besides, my assets would increase, at the least, by the ten pound bonus which a grateful country annually aggregates to the salary of its victims each year--not to speak of the fortune I might make by my "connection with the press!" In fact, I said everything that I could, to colour my case and get judgment recorded in my favour. But, my toil was all in vain! I sent over my letter by a servant, with instructions to leave it at the door; while, I, waited in all the evening expecting an answer, in breathless suspense. None came; but, next morning I received back my own despatch enclosed in another envelope, unopened, unread. I went down to the office that day in quite a cheerful mood again, I can tell you! How I did enjoy Brown's balderdash; the witty sallies of Smith; Robinson's repartees; Jones' jocosities! When, after my official labours, I returned again to Saint Canon's that evening, I made another attempt to s
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