ity in
drawing, literature, and ecclesiastical architecture; and whenever a
person came in their way who was thought handsome, always pronounced
that he was not by any means equal to James's friend. Lady Thorndale
delighted to talk over James with him, and thank him for his kindness;
and Lord Thorndale, rather a pompous man himself, liked his somewhat
stately manners, and talked politics with him, sincerely wishing he was
his neighbour at Redclyffe, and calculating how much good he would do
there. Philip listened with interest to accounts of how the Thorndale
and Morville influence had always divided the borough of Moorworth, and,
if united, might dispose of it at will, and returned evasive answers to
questions what the young heir of Redclyffe might be likely to do.

James Thorndale drove his friend to Redclyffe, as Philip had authority
from Mr. Edmonstone to transact any business that might be required
with Markham, the steward; and, as has been said before, he expected to
discover in the accounts something that might explain why Guy had ceased
to press for the thousand pounds. However, he could find nothing amiss
in them, though--bearing in mind that it is less easy to detect the loss
of a score of sheep than of one--he subjected them to a scrutiny which
seemed by no means agreeable to the gruff old grumbling steward. He also
walked about the park, saw to the marking of certain trees that were
injuring each other; and finding that there was a misunderstanding
between Markham and the new rector, Mr. Ashford, about certain parish
matters, where the clergyman was certainly right, he bore down Markham's
opposition with Mr. Edmonstone's weight, and felt he was doing good
service.

He paused at the gate, and looked back at the wide domain and fine old
house. He pitied them, and the simple-hearted, honest tenantry, for
being the heritage of such a family, and the possession of one so likely
to misuse them, instead of training them into the means of conferring
benefits on them, on his country. What would not Philip himself do if
those lands were his,--just what was needed to give his talents free
scope? and what would it be to see his beautiful Laura their mistress?

CHAPTER 20

The longing for ignoble things,
The strife for triumph more than truth,
The hardening of the heart, that brings
Irreverence for the dreams of youth.
--LONGFELLOW

After his week at Thor