pushing, lively
temperament, who, though practical, is yet speculative--the man who is
emulous and active, and ever trying to rise in life--sanguine, alert,
bold--walks with a spring--looks rather above the heads of his
fellow-passengers--but with a quick, easy turn of his own, which is lightly
set on his shoulders; his mouth is a little open--his eye is bright, rather
restless, but penetrative--his port has something of defiance--his form is
erect, but without stiffness. Such was the appearance of the Baron's
companion. And as Randal turned round at Levy's voice, the Baron said to
his companion, "A young man in the first circles--you should book him for
your fair lady's parties. How d'ye do, Mr. Leslie? Let me introduce you to
Mr. Richard Avenel." Then, as he hooked his arm into Randal's, he
whispered, "Man of first-rate talent--monstrous rich--has two or three
parliamentary seats in his pocket--wife gives parties--her foible."

"Proud to make your acquaintance, sir," said Mr. Avenel, lifting his hat.
"Fine day."

"Rather cold, too," said Leslie, who, like all thin persons with weak
digestions, was chilly by temperament; besides, he had enough on his mind
to chill his body.

"So much the healthier--braces the nerves," said Mr. Avenel; "but you young
fellows relax the system by hot rooms and late hours. Fond of dancing, of
course, sir?" Then, without waiting for Randal's negative, Mr. Richard
continued, rapidly, "Mrs. Avenel has a _soiree dansante_ on Thursday--shall
be very happy to see you in Eaton-square. Stop, I have a card;" and he
drew out a dozen large invitation cards, from which he selected one, and
presented it to Randal. The Baron pressed that young gentleman's arm, and
Randal replied courteously that it would give him great pleasure to be
introduced to Mrs. Avenel. Then, as he was not desirous to be seen under
the wing of Baron Levy, like a pigeon under that of a hawk, he gently
extricated himself, and, pleading great haste, walked quickly on toward
his office.

"That young man will make a figure some day," said the Baron. "I don't
know any one of his age with so few prejudices. He is a connection by
marriage to Audley Egerton, who--"

"Audley Egerton!" exclaimed Mr. Avenel; "d--d haughty, aristocratic,
disagreeable, ungrateful fellow!"

"Why, what do you know of him?"

"He owed his first seat in parliament to the votes of two near relations
of mine, and when I called upon him some time ago, in his