of the fireplace, implored him in the above little speech.

"My dear Colonel," said Barnes, "my dear, kind Colonel! I needn't
tell you that your proposal flatters us, as much as your extraordinary
generosity surprises me. I never heard anything like it--never. Could I
consult my own wishes I would at once--I would, permit me to say, from
sheer admiration of your noble character, say yes, with all my heart, to
your proposal. But, alas, I haven't that power."

"Is--is she engaged?" asks the Colonel, looking as blank and sad as
Clive himself when Ethel had conversed with him.

"No--I cannot say engaged--though a person of the very highest rank has
paid her the most marked attention. But my sister has, in a way, gone
from our family, and from my influence as the head of it--an influence
which I, I am sure, had most gladly exercised in your favour. My
grandmother, Lady Kew, has adopted her; purposes, I believe, to leave
Ethel the greater part of her fortune, upon certain conditions; and, of
course, expects the--the obedience, and so forth, which is customary in
such cases. By the way, Colonel, is our young soupirant aware that papa
is pleading his cause for him?"

The Colonel said no; and Barnes lauded the caution which his uncle had
displayed. It was quite as well for the young man's interests (which Sir
Barnes had most tenderly at heart) that Clive Newcome should not himself
move in the affair, or present himself to Lady Kew. Barnes would take
the matter in hand at the proper season; the Colonel might be sure it
would be most eagerly, most ardently pressed. Clive came home at this
juncture, whom Barnes saluted affectionately. He and the Colonel had
talked over their money business; their conversation had been most
satisfactory, thank you. "Has it not, Colonel?" The three parted the
very best of friends.

As Barnes Newcome professed that extreme interest for his cousin and
uncle, it is odd he did not tell them that Lady Kew and Miss Ethel
Newcome were at that moment within a mile of them, at her ladyship's
house in Queen Street, Mayfair. In the hearing of Clive's servant,
Barnes did not order his brougham to drive to Queen Street, but waited
until he was in Bond Street before he gave the order.

And, of course, when he entered Lady Kew's house, he straightway asked
for his sister, and communicated to her the generous offer which the
good Colonel had made.

You see, Lady Kew was in town, and not in town. Her ladyship