ed. But in a week's time they will be gone;
and I shouldn't wonder if they remain abroad for years. So brighten up,
dearest dear, and leave Sam alone; he's a cynical old fellow, past hope
of mending his ways. See more of Molly; she does you good. And,
by-the-bye, it's time you called on the Catesbys. They will always be
very glad to see you."

This family of Catesby was one of the few really distinguished in the
neighbourhood. Colonel Catesby, a long-retired warrior, did not mingle
much with local society, but with his wife and daughter he had appeared
at Denzil's first political dinner; they all "took to" their hostess,
and had since manifested this liking in sundry pleasant ways.

Indeed, Lilian was become a social success--that is to say, with people
who were at all capable of appreciating her. Herein, as in other
things, she had agreeably surprised Denzil. He had resigned himself to
seeing her remain a loving, intelligent, but very unambitious woman; of
a sudden she proved equal to all the social claims connected with his
candidature--unless the efforts, greater than appeared, were
undermining her health. Having learned to trust herself in
conversation, she talked with a delightful blending of seriousness and
gentle merriment. Her culture declared itself in every thought; there
was much within the ordinary knowledge of people trained to the world
that she did not know, but the simplicity resulting from this could
never be confused with want of education or of tact. When the Catesbys
made it evident that they approved her, Quarrier rejoiced exceedingly;
he was flattered in his deepest sensibilities, and felt that henceforth
nothing essential would be wanting to his happiness--whether Polterham
returned him or not.

That he would be returned, he had no doubt. The campaign proceeded
gloriously. Whilst Mr. Gladstone flowed on for ever in Midlothian
rhetoric, Denzil lost no opportunity of following his leader, and was
often astonished at the ease with which he harangued as long as
Polterham patience would endure him. To get up and make a two hours'
speech no longer cost him the least effort; he played with the stock
subjects of eloquence, sported among original jokes and catch-words,
burned through perorations with the joy of an improvisatore in happiest
mood. The _Examiner_ could not report him for lack of space; the
_Mercury_ complained of a headache caused by this "blatant youthfulness
striving to emulate garrulous