d bring the message. "The father came and proposed
for this young painter, and you didn't order him out of the room!"

Barnes laughed. "The Colonel is one of my constituents. I can't afford
to order the Bundelcund Banking Company out of its own room."

"You did not tell Ethel this pretty news, I suppose?"

"Of course I didn't tell Ethel. Nor did I tell the Colonel that Ethel
was in London. He fancies her in Scotland with your ladyship at this
moment."

"I wish the Colonel were at Calcutta, and his son with him. I wish he
was in the Ganges, I wish he was under Juggernaut's car," cried the old
lady. "How much money has the wretch really got? If he is of importance
to the bank, of course you must keep well with him. Five thousand a
year, and he says he will settle it all on his son? He must be crazy.
There is nothing some of these people will not do, no sacrifice they
will not make, to ally themselves with good families. Certainly you must
remain on good terms with him and his bank. And we must say nothing of
the business to Ethel, and trot out of town as quickly as we can. Let
me see? We go to Drummington on Saturday. This is Tuesday. Barkins, you
will keep the front drawing-room shutters shut, and remember we are not
in town, unless Lady Glenlivat or Lord Farintosh should call."

"Do you think Farintosh will--will call, ma'am?" asked Sir Barnes
demurely.

"He will be going through to Newmarket. He has been where we have
been at two or three places in Scotland," replies the lady, with equal
gravity. "His poor mother wishes him to give up his bachelor's life--as
well she may--for you young men are terribly dissipated. Rossmont is
quite a regal place. His Norfolk house is not inferior. A young man of
that station ought to marry, and live at his places, and be an example
to his people, instead of frittering away his time at Paris and Vienna
amongst the most odious company."

"Is he going to Drummington?" asks the grandson.

"I believe he has been invited. We shall go to Paris for November: he
probably will be there," answered the Dowager casually; "and tired of
the dissipated life he has been leading, let us hope he will mend his
ways, and find a virtuous, well-bred young woman to keep him right."
With this her ladyship's apothecary is announced, and her banker and
grandson takes his leave.

Sir Barnes walked into the City with his umbrella, read his letters,
conferred with his partners and confidential clerks; was